The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a major defence procurement contract worth ₹2,095 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the acquisition of INVAR Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). The deal, concluded under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, marks another significant push toward strengthening India’s armoured warfare capability and promoting domestic defence manufacturing.
Boost for T-90 Tank Regiments
According to the MoD, the induction of the INVAR missiles will substantially enhance the firepower and lethality of the Indian Army’s T-90 Bhishma main battle tanks, which serve as the backbone of the Army’s armoured regiments.
The missile, fired from the tank’s main gun, is a laser-guided, high-precision anti-armour weapon capable of neutralising heavily protected enemy tanks at long ranges.
High Accuracy and Combat-Proven Performance
Officials highlighted that the INVAR ATGM has a very high hit probability, making it a highly reliable system during intense armoured engagements.
The missile boasts advanced guidance technology, tandem warhead capability, and effective performance against explosive reactive armour (ERA), allowing T-90 crews to engage targets with greater confidence and accuracy.
Strengthening Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The contract is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative by driving domestic production. BDL, a key state-owned manufacturer of missile systems, will undertake large-scale production to meet the Army’s operational requirements.
Senior officials noted that the procurement aligns with the government’s long-term vision of reducing import dependency and strengthening India’s defence industrial base through indigenous capability development.
Operational Importance
The Army’s T-90 fleet plays a critical role along the western and northern borders, where the potential for high-intensity armoured conflict remains a strategic reality.
By equipping these tanks with modern guided missiles, the Army aims to maintain a technological edge and ensure rapid, accurate destruction of enemy armour and fortifications.
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