Jaison Deepak

With the T-90S/SK spearheading the Indian Army vehicles, produced under license by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), so far 1,250 tanks have been inducted into the Indian Army. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also cleared the procurement of 464 T-90MS which again will be produced by the OFB under technology transfer. The Indian Army envisages new upgrades to keep the T-90 relevant in the eyes of emerging threats.

T-90 Upgrade

The central part of the upgrade would be to equip the T-90S with an improved modular power pack (engine and transmission) with an output of between 1200 and 1500hp variable according to mission requirements. IRDE has developed a day/night thermal imaging sight, this will be non-panoramic but when mounted on the existing rotating copulas of the T-90S they cover a 360 degree arc not taking into account the LOS blind spots/obstructions. The older fire control computer will be replaced by the new Fire Control Computer made by TATA SED. A new TI fusion sight for the driver is also being looked at.

High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) which has a higher explosive capacity than the earlier ERA; hence it has improved protection. The increased engine power will facilitate mounting of additional ERA to the sides of the turret and tank skirts. The Indian Army is also looking to equip the T-90S with Active Protection System (APS); the APS will have an early warning sensor like Laser Warning Receiver,