NEW DELHI — The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹586 crore contract with Pune-based Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited for the supply of indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi on September 21, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The APUs provide an alternate source of electrical power for critical tank systems, including the fire control system, firing circuit, gun stabilisation system and other ancillary equipment when the main engine is switched off. According to the Ministry, the units are externally mounted on the rear or side of the tanks.
The APUs typically provide 10–12 kW of power and have a silent runtime capability of at least six hours. They are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -50°C to 45°C, supporting operations in both high-altitude and desert environments.
By allowing essential systems to operate without running the main engine, the APUs can reduce fuel consumption, engine wear and noise. This can help tank crews maintain critical systems during surveillance operations, while also reducing the need to keep the main engine running.
The procurement has been carried out under the Make-II category, which supports industry-led research and development. The Defence Ministry said the contract represents a step towards the indigenisation of critical sub-systems for armoured platforms and supports the government’s Aatmanirbharta and Viksit Bharat @2047 objectives.
The contract adds to efforts to increase domestic production of defence equipment and reduce dependence on imported critical components for the Indian Army’s armoured fleet.
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