Indian Army II Top Three Main Battle Tank (MBT) of Indian Army
India's armoured corps forms a crucial element of its land warfare strategy, and at the forefront of this capability are its impressive main battle tanks (MBTs): the indigenous Arjun Mk1A, the T-90 Bhishma, and the upgraded T-72 Ajeya
Indian Army:
Top Three Main Battle Tank (MBT) of Indian Army
India's armoured corps forms a crucial element of its land warfare strategy, and at the forefront of this capability are its impressive main battle tanks (MBTs): the indigenous Arjun Mk1A, the T-90 Bhishma, and the upgraded T-72 Ajeya.
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Ms Aditi Joshi, Academics Team, First Step Defence Academy Jan 10, 2025
Indian Army Armoured Corps. One of the combat arms of the Indian Army with origins of the first regiment formed in 1776. It currently consists of 67 armoured regiments, including the President's Bodyguard and each regiment has 45-50 tanks. Main features or characteristics of any tank are its Firepower, Mobility and Protection or Survivability
The Indian Army's top three main battle tanks (MBTs) are the Arjun MBT (Mk1A), T-90 Bhishma, and T-72 Ajeya. The Arjun, an indigenous design, is known for its advanced technology and Kanchan armor. The T-90 Bhishma, a Russian-origin tank, is produced in India and features a 125 mm smooth bore gun and advanced fire control systems. The T-72 Ajeya is a Soviet-era tank, also produced in India, with a 125mm smooth bore gun and modernized fire control systems.
Design Features. Indigenous design - DRDO, produced by Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF) Avadi.
Firepower. Long Range Accuracy, 120 mm rifled gun – FSAPDS, HESH and ATGMs, advanced Kanchan armor for protection, and enhanced firepower and mobility.
Protection and Survivability. Advanced composite Armor with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) panels. It is also fitted with the Advanced Laser Warning and Countermeasure System (ALWCS), mine ploughs, and NBC protection, making it one of the best protected MBTs in the region.
Mobility and Weight. Combat weight of approx. 68.5 tons, is one of the heaviest MBTs in the world. Despite its 1,500 hp engine, its bulk can limit its ability to operate in certain terrains, such as riverine or desert environments.
Technology and Crew Comfort. Crew of 4 Persons. State-of-the-art fire control system, thermal imaging sights, hunter-killer capability, and automatic target tracking. modern digital communication systems and enhanced crew ergonomics, offering a high degree of situational awareness and battlefield management.
Operational Role and Strategic Relevance. Numerically fewer, considered a technological demonstrator and a high-endurance platform. Deployed with select regiments, particularly in the southern sector where its size and weight pose less of a logistical challenge.
Design Features. Russian-origin, produced in India under license, HVF Avadi.
Firepower. 125 mm smoothbore gun integrated with Auto Loader- APFSDS, HEAT and ATGMs advanced fire control system.
Protection and Survivability. Kontakt-5 ERA and composite armour, offering robust protection but in a more compact and lighter frame. It also features Shtora-1 passive electro-optical countermeasures to reduce the effectiveness of enemy ATGMs and laser-guided threats.
Mobility and Weight. Combat Weight around 46.5 tons, is more agile and suited for the diverse terrain of the Indian subcontinent, especially in the Thar desert. Its 1,000 hp engine may be less powerful, but the lower weight contributes to better speed and strategic mobility.
Technology and Crew Comfort. Crew of 03 persons, the T-90 Bhishma also includes modern optics and fire control systems, but its Russian legacy systems are seen as slightly dated compared to Arjun’s newer integrations. Its interior is more cramped, affecting crew comfort over extended operations.
Operational Role and Strategic Relevance. The T-90 Bhishma is the backbone of India’s armored forces, with over 1,100 units in active service. It is heavily deployed along India’s western borders and is well-integrated into India’s current armored doctrines. The T-90 Bhishma is considered a modern and powerful tank, lighter more manoeuvrable and rapid battlefield mobility capable of operating in diverse terrains and conditions.
Numbers in Indian Army. 1000 plus
Design Features. The Indian Army utilizes the T-72 Ajeya, a licensed-produced version of the Russian T-72 main battle tank. It's a key component of the Indian Army's armored corps, with upgrades enhancing its capabilities for modern warfare. The T-72 Ajeya is manufactured at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, Chennai.
Firepower. 125mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm air defence machine gun. and modernized fire control systems.
Protection and Survivability. The T-72 Ajeya has enhanced armor protection and incorporates features like Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and Integrated Fire Detection and Suppression System (IFDSS) for improved survivability.
Mobility and Weight. The tank can cross rivers using a snorkel and is capable of operating in diverse terrains.
Technology and Crew Comfort. Crew of 03. The Indian Army has implemented various upgrades to its T-72 fleet, including improved night vision and thermal imaging capabilities. The T-72 Ajeya is a reliable and widely used tank in the Indian Army, with ongoing modernization efforts to enhance its capabilities and is likely to phase out in near future.
Numbers in Indian Army. India has over 2,000 T-72 tanks, named Ajeya. Though older than others, they have been upgraded with night vision, improved fire control and explosive armour. T-72s still form the backbone of India’s strike corps and remain highly reliable.
Conclusion. Tanks are more than machines they are guardians at the frontline. From the locally built Arjun to the reliable T-90 Bhishma, India’s tank force is a mix of heritage, strength and modern upgrades ready to roll into any battlefield when needed.
Jai Hind
