Russia Offers to Produce T-90MS Tank in India

Russia has offered to support licensed production of the T-90MS main battle tank in India, marking 25 years since the two countries signed their first T-90 agreement on February 15, 2001.

The original contract between India’s defense ministry and Rosoboronexport covered delivery of fully built T-90S tanks as well as semi-knocked down and completely knocked down kits for assembly in India. The deal followed trials in 1999, when three T-90S prototypes were tested in the Thar desert over 2,000 km in high heat and varied terrain. Field maintenance, including engine removal, was demonstrated during the evaluation.

At the time, Russia’s defense industry was facing financial strain. Uralvagonzavod and its design partners developed a 1,000-hp engine and integrated thermal imaging systems to meet Indian requirements. THis contract reportedly helped sustain tank production and restore industrial cooperation.

In 2019, India signed a $2.8 billion contract to license-produce 464 T-90MS tanks under the “Make in India” program. In a statement marking the anniversary, Rosoboronexport said it is ready to assist India in establishing production of the T-90MS at existing facilities manufacturing T-90S variants, adding that locally produced components and ammunition could accelerate the process. No new contract has been announced.

First shown publicly in 2011, the T-90MS is the export version of the T-90 series. It is armed with a 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun capable of firing guided missiles up to 5 km, fitted with Relikt explosive reactive armor and the Kalina fire control system. Powered by a 1,130-hp V-92S2F diesel engine, it has a reported range of 550 km and a top speed of 60–72 km/h. The tank uses a three-person crew with an automated loader and features redesigned ammunition storage with blowout panels.