Indian Army's 'Decade of Transformation': Overhaul of T-90 Bhishma Tanks Marks a Milestone

 Indian Army's 'Decade of Transformation': Overhaul of T-90 Bhishma Tanks Marks a Milestone

New Delhi – As part of the ongoing 'Decade of Transformation' within the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, witnessed the rollout of the overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank on Monday. This landmark event took place at the 505 Army Base Workshop in Delhi Cantonment, according to a press release from the Indian Army.

The T-90 Bhishma, a key main battle tank in India's mechanized forces since 2003, is renowned for its formidable combination of firepower, mobility, and protection. The tank’s overhaul, conducted by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), represents a significant achievement in maintaining the Indian Army's armoured capabilities. This comprehensive overhaul process involves disassembling the T-90 down to the last nut and bolt, before rebuilding it entirely.

Technical Mastery in Overhauling the T-90 Bhishma

The overhaul of the T-90 tank at the 505 Army Base Workshop is no small feat. It involves removing and meticulously rebuilding over 200 assemblies and sub-assemblies. The skilled technicians of the Corps of EME used precise machining, resetting techniques, and state-of-the-art Test Benches supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to ensure that each of the tank’s mechanical, electronic, and instrumental components was independently restored and tested.

One of the remarkable aspects of this overhaul is the use of Automated Test Equipment (ATEs), which thoroughly examines each component before it is refitted into the tank. These stringent testing measures ensure that the T-90 tanks are ready for all-terrain operations, enhancing the longevity and combat readiness of these battle-proven machines.

General Dwivedi’s Commendation

General Upendra Dwivedi commended the officers and technicians of the Corps of EME for their dedication and technical expertise in successfully completing the T-90 overhaul. He emphasized that their work reflects the spirit of innovation and commitment required to maintain the Indian Army's cutting-edge capabilities. The General also encouraged the Corps of EME to continue pushing the boundaries of technological expertise and to embrace new challenges in future projects.

A Boost for Indigenous Capabilities and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

The successful overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma tank aligns closely with India’s ongoing efforts towards self-reliance in defence under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. This accomplishment highlights the Indian Army's growing indigenous capability to maintain and enhance critical warfighting platforms without external dependencies. The press release pointed out that this is a vital component of the broader "Decade of Transformation," which aims to elevate India's defence capabilities through strategic initiatives in both defence manufacturing and maintenance.

The Indian Army’s continuous pursuit of self-sufficiency, backed by technological advancements, underpins its commitment to creating a self-reliant and technologically advanced defence force. The overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma tank not only extends the operational life of these tanks but also signifies India's growing technical proficiency in defence manufacturing and maintenance.

Conclusion

The comprehensive overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma tank marks a crucial milestone in the Indian Army's decade-long transformation agenda. It showcases India's ability to independently maintain its defence capabilities while highlighting the country’s focus on becoming self-reliant in critical defence technologies. As the Indian Army continues to advance under the 'Decade of Transformation' initiative, this successful overhaul is a testament to the nation's resolve to strengthen its defence forces while reducing reliance on foreign technologies.

The T-90 Bhishma’s successful overhaul is more than just a technical achievement—it stands as a symbol of the Indian Army's resilience, expertise, and commitment to safeguarding national security for the future.