T-90 Bhishma Tank, History, Key Features and Capabilities

The T-90 Bhishma is one of the most important main battle tanks used by the Indian Army. It is a powerful and modern tank known for its strong firepower, high mobility, and advanced protection system. It is mainly used in desert areas and forms the backbone of India’s armoured forces.

History of the T-90 Bhishma

• India inducted the T-90 Bhishma tank in the early 2000s to strengthen its armoured forces. Around 310 T-90S tanks were purchased from Russia; some were delivered fully built, while the rest were assembled in India to promote domestic production.
• The T-90 was chosen mainly because it is an upgraded version of the T-72 tanks already used by India. Since many parts and systems were similar, it made training, maintenance, and operations much easier for the Indian Army.
• The tank is equipped with powerful weapons, including armour-piercing rounds and anti-tank guided missiles, making it highly effective in combat.
• India also decided to buy the T-90 due to delays in its indigenous Arjun tank project and to maintain an edge against tanks used by neighbouring countries.

Also Read: Air Defence System of India

Key Features and Capabilities

• Firepower: The tank is equipped with a powerful 125 mm smoothbore gun, which can fire different types of ammunition like armour-piercing, high-explosive, and anti-tank guided missiles. It also has an automatic loader, which helps in faster firing without needing an extra crew member.
• Protection: The T-90 Bhishma has strong armour protection, including Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), which helps protect it from enemy attacks. It is also fitted with a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection system to keep the crew safe in dangerous conditions.
• Mobility: The tank is highly mobile and can move quickly even in rough terrain like deserts. It has a powerful engine that allows it to reach high speeds and perform well in different battlefield conditions.
• Advanced Systems: The tank is equipped with modern sighting systems, including thermal imaging, which helps in targeting enemies even at night or in low visibility. It also has a smoke grenade system that can create a smoke screen to hide the tank from enemy view.
• Additional Features: The T-90 Bhishma includes special features like underwater crossing capability, fire-fighting equipment, and communication systems. It can also be fitted with mine ploughs to clear paths during combat.

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Role in Indian Army

• Main Battle Tank (Backbone): The T-90 Bhishma is the primary tank of the Indian Army and plays a key role in strengthening India’s defence. With a large number of tanks in service, it forms a crucial part of the country’s military power by providing strong firepower and quick response.
• High-Altitude Deployment: It is deployed in areas like Eastern Ladakh and can operate effectively in extreme weather and difficult terrain.
• Desert Strike Role: The tank is specially designed for fast and effective combat in desert regions like Rajasthan. Its high mobility allows it to carry out quick and deep strikes along the border.
• Day and Night Operations: With advanced thermal imaging and modern guns, it can accurately target enemies even at night or in low visibility conditions.
• Anti-Tank Capability: It can fire powerful shells and guided missiles, making it highly effective against enemy tanks and armoured vehicles.
• Modernisation: The T-90 has been upgraded with advanced protection and surveillance systems, improving its performance and survivability in modern warfare.

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Variants of T-90 Tanks

The T-90 tank has been developed into different versions over time. Each variant is designed with specific improvements or roles, such as better communication, stronger protection, or advanced technology. Here are the main variants in simple language:

• T-90: This is the original version of the tank, first developed in the late 1980s and produced from 1992. It formed the base for all later upgrades.
• T-90K: This is the commander’s version of the T-90. It has better communication systems and navigation equipment, which help commanders control and coordinate troops more effectively during battle.
• T-90A: This is an improved version used by the Russian Army. It comes with a stronger welded turret, a more powerful engine, and better thermal imaging for night fighting. It is sometimes called “Vladimir” after its chief designer.
• T-90AK: This is the commander version of the T-90A, with extra communication and control systems to manage operations smoothly.
• T-90M: This is the latest and most advanced version. It has a modern fire control system called “Kalina,” improved armour for better protection, and a more advanced gun. It also includes a remote-controlled machine gun for air defence. Overall, it is more accurate, better protected, and more powerful.
• T-90S: This is the export version of the T-90, sold to other countries. It has a powerful engine and updated systems. Many countries, including India, use this version.
• T-90SK: This is the commander version of the T-90S. It includes better communication, navigation systems, and special features like remote detonation of shells for improved effectiveness.
• T-90S “Bhishma”: This is the Indian version of the T-90S, specially modified for Indian conditions like extreme heat and desert terrain. It includes improvements such as better thermal sights and local equipment. India is also manufacturing these tanks domestically, which helps in self-reliance in defence.