India has embarked on a significant defence initiative to modernize its fleet of Russian-origin T-72 tanks, aiming to export these upgraded models to international markets. The primary targets for these exports include countries in Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia.
The modernization process will be conducted in India, leveraging the expertise of both Indian and Russian technical experts. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to retire the T-72 tanks from the Indian Army’s service and replace them with more advanced models. The Indian Army currently operates approximately 2,500 T-72 tanks, which have been the backbone of its armored forces since the 1970s.
There is strong demand for these tanks, particularly from countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Algeria already possess T-72 tanks and may be interested in acquiring modernized versions to enhance their combat capabilities. In the Middle East, countries like Iraq and Syria could also benefit significantly from these upgrades.
The Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, near Chennai, which has been producing T-72 tanks since the 1980s, will serve as the base for this modernization effort. This facility has a history of producing upgraded T-90 tanks and is well-equipped to handle the modernization of T-72 tanks for export.
While Russia remains a significant player in the global tank market, India’s modernization initiative could face challenges due to geopolitical pressures. Western nations have imposed economic sanctions on Russia, which could influence India’s arms transfer policies. However, India has previously navigated similar challenges in the energy sector, becoming a major intermediary for Russian oil and gas exports.
The T-72 tank is renowned for its reliability and durability. It is equipped with a 125 mm main gun, an anti-aircraft gun, and a machine gun. The tank can reach speeds of 60 km/h on roads and 35 km/h off-road, and it is capable of fording rivers up to 1.2 meters deep. Notably, during the 2020 tensions with China, India deployed T-72 tanks to the high-altitude region of Ladakh, demonstrating their versatility in challenging terrains.
India has been strategically enhancing its presence in the global arms trade, aiming to compete with established powerhouses such as Russia and China. This ambition has led India to focus on exporting its domestically produced weapons to African militaries, which frequently face budget constraints that make Western-made equipment unaffordable. Building on its initial successes in this sector, India is now poised to expand its influence and establish itself as a significant player in African arms deals.
Unfortunately, there have been no actual weapons sales from India to any African recipient after more than a year.
