India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' project deals BIG blow Russia as T-90S tank struggles to find buyers

Moscow: Russia's tank manufacturing company UVZ had reaped substantial profits in the early 2000s by selling advanced T-90S tanks to India. However, the company is now struggling to find a single customer. India now manufactures T-90 tanks domestically. The T-90S Main Battle Tank (MBT) is considered one of the most advanced variants in the Russian-built T-90 series and is hailed as one of the finest tanks ever produced in the history of Soviet and Russian tank design. Initially, it was developed by Russia's major industrial conglomerate, Uralvagonzavod (UVZ), and was adopted by the Russian Army in the 1990s under the designation T-90A.

Subsequently, it was developed for export, and in 2004, the Indian Army officially inducted it into its service. In India, it was christened the "T-90S Bhishma"—named after Bhishma Pitamah from the epic *Mahabharata*. The Indian Army currently has over 1,100 T-90S Bhishma tanks in active service. Beyond enhancing the Indian Army's capabilities, the adoption of this MBT was described as a "lifeline for the Russian tank-building industry," which was struggling amidst the severe economic crises of the 1990s and early 2000s.

Why Does Russia Seek to Sell T-90 Tanks to Asian Nations?

Russia is once again making efforts to sell this tank to Asian nations. This week, it showcased the T-90S tank at the 'Defence Security Asia' international trade exhibition held in Malaysia. The event saw the participation of 1,456 companies from 63 countries. Russia is participating in DAS/NATSEC for the first time this year, and the T-90S stands as one of its key attractions. According to a report by Russia's state-run news agency, TASS, UVZ has stated that the tank has "garnered significant praise from prospective customers."

The tank's manufacturer claims that during the open tender process in the 2000s, the T-90S was the only tank in the world to successfully complete the entire testing cycle. It demonstrated its capabilities in temperatures ranging from minus 50°C to plus 55°C, as well as in high-altitude terrains and humid tropical conditions. This tank has proven its operational effectiveness across three distinct climatic zones: deserts, mountainous regions, and humid tropical environments—such as those found in Malaysia. It is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun that is capable of not only firing conventional rounds but also launching Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs).

Using its missiles, it can accurately engage enemy tanks or low-flying helicopters located at distances of 4 to 5 kilometers.
Furthermore, the T-90 is fitted with 'Kontakt-5' Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). When struck by an enemy shell, this armor triggers a small explosive counter-charge that neutralizes the impact of the incoming projectile before it can penetrate the tank's interior.

Has India's Self-Reliance Dealt a Major Blow to Russia?

India now manufactures this tank domestically, meaning Russia has effectively lost a customer of India's magnitude. This presents a significant challenge for Russia. Although India's procurement deal for the T-90S provided a vital lifeline to the Russian tank industry, India had purchased the tanks on the specific condition that Russia would assist in establishing and scaling up domestic production of the T-90S within India. Nearly two decades later, this process is now largely complete; consequently, India's requirement for imported tanks from Russia has diminished significantly, compelling the manufacturer—UVZ—to turn to other nations in search of new customers.

Since the early 2000s, India's state-run Ordnance Factory Board has assembled over 500 T-90S tanks—imported from Russia in the form of kits—at its Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF). In 2006 and 2007, the factory was tasked with manufacturing an additional 1,000 T-90S 'Bhishma' MBTs, and by the end of 2019, 400 of these tanks had been delivered. However, even if no new customers emerge, the production of new tanks is expected to continue due to the war in Ukraine; yet, Ukrainian drones have now diminished the significance of tanks in modern warfare.