NEW DELHI — Russia has formally offered India the opportunity to jointly produce the advanced T-90MS main battle tank in India, expanding decades of defense cooperation between the two countries and supporting New Delhi's efforts to strengthen domestic defense manufacturing.
The proposal was made by Rosoboronexport (ROE), Russia's state-owned defense export agency and part of the Rostec state corporation. Under the plan, production would follow a phased approach, beginning with the assembly of T-90MS tanks in India using technology kits supplied by Russia before gradually transitioning to full-scale manufacturing of components by Indian industry.
The T-90MS is the export version of Russia's latest T-90M main battle tank, designed and manufactured by Uralvagonzavod, a subsidiary of Rostec.
Proposal Builds on Existing India-Russia Tank Production
Russia's offer comes shortly after a major milestone in India's armored vehicle manufacturing program. In May 2026, the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Avadi near Chennai completed production of the 1,000th license-built T-90 Bhishma tank for the Indian Army, marking 25 years of cooperation in T-90 manufacturing.
According to an ROE representative speaking to RT India, the technology already transferred to India for T-90 production provides a strong industrial foundation for manufacturing the newer T-90MS.
"The technical foundation created by the technologies already transferred significantly reduces both the cost and the time needed to establish production of the T-90MS and combat vehicles based on it at Indian enterprises," the ROE representative said.
India began licensed production of the T-90S Bhishma after a 2001 agreement with Russia, and the two countries later signed a $2.8 billion contract in 2019 for additional T-90 tanks. The existing manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain are expected to simplify any future transition to the T-90MS platform.
Compatibility with India's Existing Fleet
One of the key advantages highlighted by Russia is the high level of commonality between the T-90MS and India's existing fleet of T-72 Ajeya and T-90 Bhishma tanks.
Because many systems and components are shared, adopting the T-90MS would require only limited changes to logistics, maintenance, and training. Existing maintenance equipment, simulators, repair facilities, and technical expertise could continue to be used with relatively minor modifications.
Russia also said the platform can integrate Indian-developed systems where required, supporting India's goal of increasing indigenous content in defense equipment.
Upgraded Protection, Firepower and Digital Systems
The T-90MS incorporates several improvements over earlier T-90 variants.
The tank features an upgraded protection package that includes explosive reactive armor (ERA), slat armor, active protection systems, and electronic warfare (EW) systems designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its differentiated armor layout is intended to improve survivability against multiple battlefield threats.
The platform is equipped with a modern digital fire-control system built around an integrated onboard information and command architecture, improving target acquisition and battlefield management.
Its firepower has also been enhanced through compatibility with newer ammunition types and guided missile systems, providing greater engagement capability against armored and fortified targets.
Russia Highlights Combat Experience
Russian defense officials have promoted the T-90M series by citing operational experience during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov stated that the T-90M was "head and shoulders above" comparable NATO tanks. Representatives from Uralvagonzavod also told TASS that the platform had demonstrated strong combat performance when compared with Western tanks such as the M1 Abrams and Leopard 2.
These statements reflect Russia's assessment of the platform based on operational experience.
Supports India's Armored Modernization
The proposal comes as India continues a broad modernization of its armored forces.
The Indian government is implementing a five-year modernization program valued at approximately $7.8 billion, aimed at extending the service life and improving the combat capability of existing armored platforms. The program includes upgrades for around 790 T-72 Ajeya tanks, 200 T-90 Bhishma tanks, 500 BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and 230 armored recovery vehicles.
Rosoboronexport said it is prepared to offer technologies developed for the T-90MS for incorporation into India's ongoing T-90S upgrade program.
Linked to India's Future Tank Program
Beyond upgrades to existing fleets, Russia is also seeking participation in India's Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, also known as Project Ranjeet.
The FRCV program aims to acquire approximately 1,770 next-generation main battle tanks to replace the Indian Army's aging T-72 fleet over the coming decades.
Russia has indicated that it is open to joint development of future armored vehicles alongside India, while the proposed local production of the T-90MS could serve as a bridge between current modernization efforts and future tank programs.
No agreement has been signed for T-90MS production in India, and discussions are expected to focus on production timelines, technology transfer, localization levels, and integration with India's existing defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Source : rt
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