India Explores Global Active Protection Systems for T-90 Tanks

In a strategic move to bolster the defense capabilities of its armored units, the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of Active Protection Systems (APS) tailored for its T-90S/SK 'Bhishma' Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). This initiative underscores the Army's commitment to enhancing the survivability of its armored fleet against modern anti-tank threats.

Understanding Active Protection Systems (APS):

An Active Protection System is an advanced defense mechanism designed to detect and neutralize incoming threats, such as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), before they can impact the vehicle. APS typically employ a combination of sensors, radar, and countermeasures to provide both "soft-kill" (disruption of the threat's guidance systems) and "hard-kill" (physical destruction of the threat) capabilities.

International Contenders for the Indian Army's APS Procurement:

1. Israel: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems – Trophy APS
   • Overview: The Trophy APS is a combat-proven system currently deployed on the Israeli Defense Forces' Merkava tanks and selected U.S. Abrams tanks.
   • Specifications:
     • Detection: Utilizes advanced radar systems to identify and track incoming threats.
     • Neutralization: Employs a hard-kill mechanism that launches countermeasures to intercept and destroy threats in mid-air.
     • Combat Record: Has demonstrated effectiveness in various combat scenarios, providing 360-degree protection against multiple simultaneous threats.
2. Russia: Instrument Design Bureau (KBP) – Afganit APS
   • Overview: Originally developed for the T-14 Armata, the Afganit APS can be adapted for other platforms, including the T-90 series.
   • Specifications:
     • Detection: Equipped with a combination of radar and optical sensors to detect incoming projectiles.
     • Neutralization: Features both soft-kill jamming capabilities and hard-kill interceptors to counteract threats, including top-attack munitions.
     • Integration: Designed for seamless integration with Russian-made tanks, offering a comprehensive defensive suite.
3. United States: Artis – Iron Curtain APS
   • Overview: The Iron Curtain APS is engineered to provide close-in protection, making it suitable for urban combat scenarios.
   • Specifications:
     • Detection: Employs high-speed optical sensors to detect threats at close range.
     • Neutralization: Utilizes downward-firing countermeasures to neutralize incoming projectiles just before impact, minimizing collateral damage.
     • Design Philosophy: Focuses on protecting the vehicle in environments where threats can emerge from short distances.
4. United States: Raytheon – Quick Kill APS
   • Overview: Raytheon's Quick Kill APS is designed to provide rapid response to a variety of anti-tank threats.
   • Specifications:
     • Detection: Incorporates a multi-mission fire-control radar to detect and track incoming threats.
     • Neutralization: Deploys a vertically launched hard-kill countermeasure capable of engaging threats from any direction.
     • Adaptability: Designed for integration with various armored platforms, offering scalable protection solutions.
5. France: Thales Group – DIAMANT APS
   • Overview: Thales' DIAMANT system is designed to counter both kinetic energy penetrators and chemical energy threats.
   • Specifications:
     • Detection: Utilizes a suite of sensors to detect incoming threats.
     • Neutralization: Combines soft-kill measures, such as jamming, with hard-kill interceptors to neutralize threats.
     • Versatility: Offers a modular design that can be tailored to different vehicle types and threat environments.
6. Sweden-South Africa: Saab – LEDS-150 APS
   • Overview: The LEDS-150 system integrates both soft-kill and hard-kill capabilities to provide comprehensive protection.
   • Specifications:
     • Detection: Equipped with active signature management and threat detection sensors.
     • Neutralization: Employs high-speed directed countermeasures to defeat incoming threats.
     • Flexibility: Suitable for a range of combat environments, from urban settings to open battlefields.
7. South Korea: Hanwha – KAPS (Korean Active Protection System)
   • Overview: Hanwha's KAPS is designed to protect armored vehicles against ATGMs and RPGs.
   • Specifications:
     • Detection: Uses radar and infrared sensors to detect incoming threats.
     • Neutralization: Features a combination of soft-kill jamming and hard-kill interceptors to neutralize threats.
     • Optimization: Tailored to meet the specific needs of modern battle tanks, offering a layered defense approach.

Considerations for the Indian Army:

The selection of an APS for the T-90S/SK MBTs involves several critical considerations:

• Integration: The chosen system must be compatible with the T-90's existing architecture, ensuring seamless integration without compromising the tank's performance.
• Performance: The APS should effectively counter a wide range of threats, including modern ATGMs and RPGs, while minimizing the risk of collateral damage.
• Reliability: Given the diverse operational environments of the Indian Army, the system must demonstrate high reliability under various climatic and combat conditions.
• Maintenance: The APS should be maintainable with the existing logistical infrastructure, ensuring that it remains operational with minimal downtime.

By carefully evaluating these factors, the Indian Army aims to enhance the combat effectiveness and survivability of its armored units