The Indian Army’s armoured corps operates one of the largest tank fleets in the world, built around a mix of Russian-origin platforms and the indigenous Arjun. Tanks remain central to India’s offensive doctrine in the western plains and deserts, while lighter vehicles are being introduced for high-altitude terrain.

Main battle tanks in service

  • T-72 Ajeya: the numerically largest fleet, progressively upgraded with new sights, engines and ammunition.
  • T-90 Bhishma: the mainstay modern MBT, licence-produced in India and equipped with reactive armour and guided-missile capability.
  • Arjun (Mk1 and Mk1A): the indigenous heavy MBT developed by DRDO, with the Mk1A adding dozens of improvements including better fire control and protection.

Light tanks and future platforms

The Zorawar light tank is being developed for rapid deployment in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, where heavy MBTs are difficult to operate. Looking ahead, the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programme aims to replace the T-72 fleet with a new-generation platform.

Upgrades and protection

Across the fleet, priorities include thermal imaging sights, explosive reactive armour, active protection systems and improved night-fighting ability. Most Indian tanks are produced and overhauled at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.