The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation worth $ 248 million for procurement of 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions, officials said on Saturday.

"The deal also includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) from M/s RoE to M/s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the 'Make in India' initiative in Defence Sector," read a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

T-72 is the mainstay of the tank fleet of the Indian Army, which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine.

Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine will enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army.

In a separate X post, the Indian Ministry of Defence said: "Strengthening its tank fleet, Ministry of Defence has signed a $248M deal with Rosoboronexport, Russia, to procure 1000 HP engines for T-72 tanks, upgrading their current 780 HP engines."

"This will significantly enhance battlefield mobility and offensive capability. The deal includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) to AVNL-HVF, Avadi, enabling local integration and licensed production, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence," read the X post.

India-Russia Defence Ties

India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence.

The cooperation is guided by the IRIGC-M&MTC mechanism, headed by the Defence Ministers of both countries, as per the Indian Embassy in Russia website.

The 20thIRIGC-M&MTC meeting was held in December 2021.

India and Russia participate in bilateral and multilateral military exercises across the three services.

The bilateral exercise INDRA was last held in 2021. They also participate in multilateral exercises such as Vostok 2022 held in September 2022 in Russia.

Bilateral projects include the supply of S-400, licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), production of Ak-203 rifles in India and BrahMos missiles. India-Russia military technical cooperation has evolved over time from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems.