The Indian Army today received its 1000th T-90(IM) tank from Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), manufactured indigenously at the HVF/AVNL facility in Avadi. The achievement highlights India’s growing self-reliance in armoured vehicle production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, progressing from licensed assembly to extensive localisation of key systems and engines.
The T-90(IM) configuration reflects a high degree of indigenisation, with AVNL reportedly achieving around 80 percent localisation across the platform. Indigenous production now covers critical components, sophisticated line replacement units, electrical systems, and cooling mechanisms. The programme also integrates upgraded powerpacks, while domestic industry has successfully developed the engineering expertise needed to replace imported legacy systems. This includes support for advanced upgrades such as the newly developed indigenous 1,350 hp engines planned for fleet enhancement.
The T-90 Bhishma remains the primary combat platform of the Indian Army’s Armoured Corps. More than 1,300 T-90 variants currently operate alongside the T-72 Ajeya and the indigenous Arjun tank fleet, ensuring a strong and modern armoured capability for future operations.
The rollout of the 1000th tank represents a significant step toward reducing dependence on overseas suppliers, giving the Indian Army improved control over maintenance, upgrades, and full lifecycle support for its key armoured formations.
