Indian Army Looking To Enhance Russian-made T-90 Tanks with New Missile System

The Indian Army is planning to induct a third-generation missile system for its Russian make T-90 tank, with a view to enhance its capability of hitting targets at a range of 8,000 metres.

A senior officer of the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S), told Times Of India on Monday: "Upgradation of the existing T-90 tank missile system is in the pipeline and is in different stages of trial evaluation. The upgrade will give us an edge over enemies and better operational preparedness".  

As of now, the T-90 tanks are equipped with laser-guided INVAR missile system which has a target hitting range of 5,500 metres, and the Army has decided to replace them with a third generation gun-launched missile. "The upgraded system will achieve more depth of penetration as well as hit target at a range of 8,000 metres, which would be a big advantage for us," another officer of the armoured corps said. 

Army sources said the new missile system should be able to engage mobile as well as static targets effectively. "Since the tanks are now also deployed in high altitude regions, the mobility and strike capability is of great importance. Hence, there is another plan to install a modular engine for the T-90 tanks," sources added. 

Lieutenant General Dalip Bhardwaj (retd), former director general of mechanised forces said, "All tanks have to be upgraded with latest equipment and missile system as the threat perception keeps changing. If it is possible to induct a third-generation missile system on T-90 tanks, it would definitely give a big advantage to the Indian Army on the battlefield".