The Indian Army is planning to procure 464 advanced T-90 battle tanks from Russia for deployment on its western borders with Pakistan. "We are planning to procure the latest variants which would be deployed to tackle the heightened threat on the western front," sources in the army told Mail Today.
The proposal worth USD 2 billion will have a Make-In-India element for integration at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi near Chennai.
The 10 new regiments of T-90MS tanks, equipped with thermal imaging night sights will allow the tank commander to strike enemy locations during night battles, will strengthen army's fire power along the land border stretch with Pakistan - from Jammu in north till the western flank in Gujarat, the newspaper said.
The specifics of the proposal have been cleared by the army at the top level and would be soon placed for approval before Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar-led Defence Acquisition Council, the sources said.
India has already inducted 18 regiments of T-90 tanks which are deployed in Rajasthan and Punjab against on the Pakistan front.