New Delhi (Sputnik): The elevated tensions on the border have compelled the Indian Army to enhance its war-fighting capabilities in the Himalayan region. Besides the urgent purchase of ammunition and smart bombs, the Indian Army has also begun modernising its combat vehicles that are capable of cross-country defence across the border.
India will arm its T-90 S/SK main battle tanks with mine ploughs that will “extend [the] reach of armoured formations deep into enemy territory without becoming mine causality”, said the Defence Ministry as it announced a $75 million supply contract with state-owned Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) on Monday.
T-14 Armata and T-90M tanks during the June 24, 2020 parade dedicated to Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 on Red Square.
The mine plough brings buried or concealed mines to the surface and moves them to the side to clear a path for armoured formations. The mine plough will be supplied by BEML while the ministry has made it clear that the product must include 50 percent indigenous content.
The Indian Army has around 3,500 tanks made up of T-72 as well as T-90 tanks and it has been increasing its armoured formation capabilities in recent years. The move started with the approval of the production of 464 T-90 tanks and an extension of the licensed manufacturing of Russian-origin T-90S tanks until 2028 in April of this year.
“Besides, India has been invited to receive or participate in joint production of advanced equipment — BTR-82A, BMP-3, Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled tank destroyer”, Denis Manturov, the Russian minister of industry and trade, said in February of this year.
Earlier, in January, the Indian Army also started the process of purchasing primary ammunition for its tanks from local vendors despite importing 125mm ammunition from Russia.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
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