Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) today delivered the 1000th indigenously produced T-90(IM) tank to the Indian Army from its Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) facility in Avadi, marking a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing journey. From initial licensed production to the deep localisation of engines and critical subsystems, the programme reflects the growing success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in strengthening both the Armoured Corps and the domestic defence ecosystem.
The T-90(IM) variant represents a significant level of indigenous integration, with AVNL successfully localising nearly 80 percent of the tank platform. This includes critical systems, advanced line replacement units (LRUs), electrical assemblies, and cooling systems. Production has also incorporated upgraded powerpacks, while India’s domestic supply chain has absorbed complex engineering capabilities previously dependent on foreign suppliers. These efforts align with ongoing upgrades such as the integration of newly developed indigenous 1,350 hp engines for future fleet modernisation.
The T-90 Bhishma continues to serve as the backbone of the Indian Army’s armoured strike capability. With more than 1,300 T-90 variants currently in service alongside the T-72 Ajeya and indigenous Arjun tanks, the latest milestone further strengthens the Army’s long-term operational readiness and sustainment capabilities.
The delivery of the 1000th tank also marks a major reduction in dependence on foreign supply chains, enabling the Indian Army to achieve greater self-reliance in lifecycle maintenance, upgrades, and operational support for its core armoured fleet.
