T-90 battle tanks to be armed with 3rd generation missile system

In a bid to enhance its strike capacity, the Indian Army is working on a project to add teeth to the T-90 main battle tanks by arming them with a third generation missile system.

Currently, the T-90 tanks are equipped with a laser guided INVAR missile system and the Army has decided to replace them with a third generation gun-launched missile, army sources said.

'As the design of the existing INVAR missile has been maximised, both in terms of range and depth of penetration (DoP), it is imperative to upgrade it to next generation missiles with enhanced capability,' according to a document related to the project.

The missiles, to be fired from the 125mm gun barrels of T-90 tanks,



will be able to hit targets by taking a pre-flight programmed manoeuvres.

The missiles should be capable of firing against mobile as well as static targets, the sources said.

The Army is also working on a separate project to install a modular engine for the T-90 tanks so as to enhance their strike capability in high-altitude battle field.

The sources said the proposed modular engine for T-90 tanks is envisaged to have a variable power output of 1200- 1500 HP to cater to high battle field agility.

Considering the evolving security scenario in the region, the government has taken a series of measures in the last few months to enhance strike capability of the Army.