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New Delhi, Moscow sign $248 million contract to buy engines for Indian tanks — top brass

The deal also includes the transfer of technology from Rosoboronexport to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines

NEW DELHI, March 7. /TASS/. New Delhi and Moscow have signed a $248 million contract to buy engines for Indian T-72 tanks, the Indian Defense Ministry reported.

"Strengthening its tank fleet, the Ministry of Defense has signed a $248 million deal with Russia's Rosoboronexport to procure 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks, upgrading their current 780 HP engines," the ministry said in a statement.

"The deal also includes the transfer of technology from Rosoboronexport to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory) near Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under technology transfer to boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defense sector," the statement added.

According to the Indian Defense Ministry, the T-72 tank is "the mainstay of the tank fleet of the Indian Army, which is at present fitted with 780 HP engine." "Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 tanks with 1000 HP Engine will enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army," the ministry emphasized.