Types of Indian Army Tanks and Armoured Vehicles

The Indian Army operates a wide mix of tanks and armoured vehicles suited to plains, deserts, river lines and high-altitude terrain. Its fleet combines legacy Soviet-origin platforms, indigenous systems and newer specialized vehicles, reflecting the twin priorities of firepower and mobility across India’s varied borders.

Main Battle Tanks in Service

Main battle tanks form the core of the Army’s armoured punch. These vehicles are optimized for open terrain, where speed, protection and direct firepower matter most. India’s main MBTs include the T-72, T-90 and Arjun, each with distinct strengths and battlefield roles.

• T-72 Ajeya: Inducted in 1983, this Soviet-origin tank remains the backbone of the armoured corps. It weighs about 41.5 tonnes and is manufactured under license at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. Modernisation focuses on better engines, thermal imaging sights and improved combat effectiveness.
• T-90 Bhishma: A third-generation Russian-origin tank inducted in 2001, the T-90 weighs about 46.5 tonnes. It carries a 125 mm smoothbore gun, Kontakt-5 Explosive Reactive Armour and can fire laser-guided Invar anti-tank guided missiles. Upgraded versions are fitted with higher-power engines for better performance in difficult terrain.
• Arjun Mk-1 and Mk-1A: Developed indigenously by CVRDE, the Arjun series represents India’s domestic MBT capability. The Arjun Mk-1A weighs about 68 tonnes and includes 72 improvements, such as Kanchan composite armour, a 120 mm rifled gun and a 1400 hp engine.
• Atharva Hybrid Tank: This concept platform has been developed by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers. It combines the lightweight hull of the T-72 with the turret and heavier armament of the T-90, with an estimated weight of 45.8 tonnes.

Exam point: The Arjun uses a 120 mm rifled gun, while the T-72 and T-90 use 125 mm smoothbore guns.

Infantry Combat Vehicles and Wheeled Platforms

Infantry combat vehicles are designed to carry mechanised infantry safely into battle, while wheeled platforms add speed, flexibility and patrol mobility. These systems are especially useful for border deployment, internal manoeuvre and river-crossing operations.

• BMP-2 Sarath: This Soviet-origin amphibious tracked vehicle is manufactured under license at Ordnance Factory Medak. It is armed with a 30 mm rapid-fire cannon, a coaxial machine gun and a Konkurs anti-tank guided missile launcher, and can carry a seven-member squad.
• Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP): Also called Kestrel, this indigenous 8×8 amphibious platform is co-developed by DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems. Its modular design allows it to serve in combat, troop transport and medical evacuation roles.
• Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (QRFV): These wheeled troop carriers are built for high mobility and protection against ballistic and mine threats. They are used for secure tactical movement, including deployment along mountain borders.

Specialist and Combat Support Vehicles

Armoured forces need more than tanks and troop carriers. Recovery, bridging and engineering vehicles keep armoured columns moving, especially during offensive manoeuvres or after mechanical breakdowns. These support platforms are often decisive in maintaining momentum.

• Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs): These specialised tracked vehicles, including Polish-origin WZT-3 models and indigenous chassis-based variants, use hydraulic cranes and winches to tow, repair or recover damaged tanks.
• Bridge Layer Tanks (BLTs): In these engineering platforms, the turret is replaced by a folding bridge. The BLT-Arjun uses a scissors-type mechanism to span wet or dry gaps of up to 26 metres for heavy loads.
• Kartikeya Bridging System: This indigenous tracked bridging vehicle has been developed by the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), Pune, on a modified T-72 chassis.

Modernisation, High-Altitude Needs and Future Inductions

The Army’s armoured modernisation is shaped by changing threats, difficult terrain and the need for faster deployment. While heavy tanks remain useful in plains and desert sectors, high-altitude areas demand lighter and more mobile platforms.

• Project Zorawar (AFV-ILT): This programme aims to develop a 25-tonne light tank for high-altitude regions such as Ladakh. It is being developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro, and features a 105 mm high-pressure gun with amphibious capability.
• Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV): Also known as Project Ranjit, this large procurement programme seeks to replace the ageing T-72 fleet after 2030 with a next-generation medium-weight main battle tank.
• Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV): This planned indigenous tracked vehicle is intended to replace BMP-2 variants with better fire-control systems, modern protection and missile launch capability.
• Make-I category procurement: Under this Defence Acquisition Procedure, the government can fund up to 70% of prototype design and development costs to encourage domestic innovation.
• High-altitude limitation: Heavy tanks lose mobility and engine efficiency in low-oxygen terrain, making lighter platforms more practical for border areas like Ladakh.

Key Prelims Takeaways

• T-72 Ajeya: Soviet-origin backbone tank; manufactured at Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.
• T-90 Bhishma: Uses a 125 mm smoothbore gun and can fire Invar anti-tank guided missiles.
• Arjun Mk-1A: Indigenous MBT with Kanchan composite armour and a 120 mm rifled gun.
• BMP-2 Sarath and WhAP: Both are amphibious, making river-crossing and wet-terrain movement easier.
• BLT-Arjun: Uses a scissors-type bridge launch system and can span gaps up to 26 metres.
• Project Zorawar: A 25-tonne light tank programme designed for high-altitude operations in Ladakh.
• Make-I funding: The government can fund up to 70% of prototype development costs under this category.

Recent Context

Tata Advanced Systems Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Indian Army’s Project Zorawar, while Mahindra Defence Systems is the second-lowest bidder and will also develop a prototype. The project, linked to the AFV-ILT programme, will see two operational light tank prototypes developed within 130 weeks after objections from competitors were reviewed and dismissed.