New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of Defence has sealed a significant deal with Bharat Dynamics Limited for ₹2,095.70 crore to acquire Invar anti-tank guided missiles. This move aims to strengthen the Indian Army’s T-90 tanks along borders with Pakistan and China, supporting the government’s goal to reduce reliance on foreign weaponry.
The Invar missile is a game-changer. It allows T-90 crews to hit heavily armored targets from up to 5 kilometers away, nearly doubling the range of the tank’s standard gun. Its advanced laser guidance system resists electronic disruptions, making it effective against moving targets, too. The missile’s tandem warhead is designed to penetrate modern tank defenses.
Bharat Dynamics produces Invar under a collaboration with Russia’s Rosoboronexport, adapting the design for Indian needs. Although it has been in service since the mid-2000s, this new procurement boosts the missile stocks, ensuring that T-90 units are always ready for action.
The T-90 Bhishma is a vital asset in India’s armored fleet, with over 1,600 units in operation. These tanks have been invaluable in challenging terrains, especially during the 2020 border tensions with China. With the Invar, tank crews can strike from safer positions, a crucial advantage in open field scenarios.
Military experts say that modern tank warfare increasingly relies on guided munitions, allowing forces to engage targets beyond direct sight. Precision at maximum range is now essential. In fact, a recent study showed that the use of guided missiles in combat has increased by over 30% in the last decade, highlighting their importance on today’s battlefields.
This contract falls under the “Buy (Indian)” category, pushing for higher levels of indigenous manufacturing. While Invar is based on Russian technology, Bharat Dynamics is continuously increasing local content in its production process, a significant step towards self-reliance. The company has a solid reputation, manufacturing various guided missiles and torpedoes, and this contract is expected to create jobs and skills development in the defense sector.
The decision to enhance indigenous capabilities comes at a crucial time. India is one of the world’s largest arms importers, but domestic procurement has been rising. The infusion of new stock into the T-90 fleet will ensure that the army maintains sufficient missile supplies for both training and real-world scenarios.
This contract reinforces the government’s commitment to meeting military needs while bolstering the domestic defense industry. As the T-90s are slated to serve for at least another two decades, continued access to advanced munitions like Invar will ensure they remain a formidable force against modern adversaries.
