The Indian Army has begun a major modernization and life-extension program for its T-72 Ajeya main battle tanks to ensure that a large portion of the fleet remains combat-ready for many more years. Defence sources suggest that nearly half of the Army’s T-72 inventory, estimated at around 2,400 tanks, will continue to operate while India prepares for the introduction of the Future Ready Combat Vehicle program. Since the 1980s, the T-72 has been the backbone of India’s armored formations. Although newer platforms such as the T-90 Bhishma have been introduced over time, the T-72 still forms a significant part of the Army’s armoured corps. Because the FRCV program is still under development and may take several years before full production begins, upgrading existing tanks has become an important step in maintaining operational capability. Defence planners expect that upgraded T-72 tanks will remain in frontline service until around 2030, when the first FRCV units are likely to be inducted. Some of these tanks may even continue operating in second-line or reserve roles until around 2040. In March 2025, India signed a contract valued at approximately 248 million dollars with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure 1,000 new engines rated at 1,000 horsepower. These engines are intended to replace aging powerplants and restore mobility and reliability to older tanks. Additional upgrades include Thermal Imaging Fire Control Systems that allow crews to detect and engage targets during night operations or in poor visibility conditions. India has also expanded its tank overhaul infrastructure, with Vehicle Factory Jabalpur joining Heavy Vehicles Factory Avadi in refurbishing tanks and restoring them to near-new operational condition.
