Vehicle Factory Jabalpur Begins Overhauling T-72 Tanks, Strengthening Indian Army's Armored Might

In a significant boost to the Indian Army's armored
capabilities, Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a key
unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL),
has embarked on a critical mission to overhaul the
Army's fleet of T-72 tanks. The first T-72 tank was
delivered to VFJ's facility in Jabalpur on March 21,
2025, marking the start of a comprehensive
refurbishment program aimed at extending the
operational life of these battle-proven main battle
tanks (MBTs). This initiative underscores VFJ's
pivotal role in India's defense manufacturing
ecosystem and aligns with the "Aatmanirbhar
Bharat" vision of self-reliance in military
modernization.
The T-72, a Soviet-designed MBT inducted into the
Indian Army in the late 1970s, remains a
cornerstone of India's armored formations, with
approximately 1,700 units in service alongside the
more advanced T-90S Bhishma. Known for its
reliability, mobility, and firepower, the T-72 has been
a workhorse in India's defense strategy, particularly
along the western and northern borders. However,
decades of operational use in diverse terrains, from
the deserts of Rajasthan to the high-altitude regions
of Ladakh, have necessitated extensive upgrades to
maintain its combat effectiveness.
The overhauling program at VFJ involves a complete
refurbishment of the T-72's critical systems
including its 780-hp V-46-6 diesel engine, fire controlsystems, and armor protection. The process,
expected to take 6-8 months per tank, will enhance
the tank's lethality, survivability, and operational
readiness. Upgrades include advanced night vision
devices, thermal imaging systems, and modernized
electronics, ensuring compatibility with
contemporary battlefield requirements. The
overhauled T-72s will also receive improved
ammunition handling systems and enhanced
communication suites, enabling seamless
integration with networked warfare environments.
Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, established in 1969, is a
premier defense production unit with a proven track
record in manufacturing and maintaining armored
vehicles. Having produced over 1,000 T-72 engines
and supported the assembly of T-90 tanks, VFJ
possesses the technical expertise and infrastructure
to execute this ambitious overhaul program. The
factory's dedicated overhaul facility, equipped with
advanced diagnostics and precision engineering
tools, is designed to handle large-scale
refurbishment projects while adhering to stringent
quality standards.
The delivery of the first T-72 tank to VFJ marks the
beginning of a phased overhaul plan, with the
factory aiming to refurbish 70-100 tanks annually,
depending on funding and logistical support from
the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The program is
expected to cost ?1,500-2,000 crore over the next 5years, covering approximately 1,000 T-72s. This
effort complements the Indian Army's broader
modernization strategy, which includes the
induction of new platforms like the Future Ready
Combat Vehicle (FRCV) while maximizing the utility
of existing assets.
The T-72 overhaul comes at a critical juncture for
the Indian Army, which faces evolving threats along
its borders with Pakistan and China. The tank's
125mm 2A46 smoothbore gun, capable of firing
armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot
(APFSDS) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT)
rounds, remains effective against most regional
adversaries. However, its aging subsystems and
limited protection against modern anti-tank guided
missiles (ATGMs) have prompted the need for
upgrades. The refurbished T-72s will incorporate
explosive reactive armor (ERA) panels and active
protection systems (APS) to counter emerging
threats, ensuring they remain viable on the
battlefield until at least 2035.
The program also addresses logistical challenges,
such as the depletion of spare parts due to global
supply chain disruptions, particularly for Soviet-era
equipment. VFJ's collaboration with domestic firms
and the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) aims to indigenize critical
components, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
This aligns with the MoD's push for 70%indigenization in defense manufacturing, fostering
self-reliance and creating opportunities for India's
private sector.
The T-72 overhaul program is a testament to VFJ's
role in sustaining the Indian Army's combat
readiness while contributing to the local economy.
The project will generate employment for skilled
technicians, engineers, and support staff in
Jabalpur, reinforcing the city's status as a hub for
defense production. VFJ's partnership with small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) for sub-assemblies
and components further strengthens India's defense
industrial base, aligning with the "Make in India"
initiative.
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