New Delhi, August 27: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the critical role of T-72 and T-90 tanks in ground warfare during the inauguration of a tank modernization project in Jabalpur on Thursday. He stated that the Indian Army is among the most powerful in the world, necessitating advanced military capabilities.
“These tanks stand as a steel wall at our borders. The world is changing its perception of India, largely due to our efforts towards self-reliance,” he noted. Singh highlighted that the defense sector in India is progressing towards complete self-sufficiency. He remarked that the role of tanks is evolving, adapting to new technologies and changing warfare dynamics, but their necessity in ground combat remains unchanged.
The Defense Minister pointed out that India’s defense sector has made significant strides over the past decade. In 2014, domestic defense production was merely ₹46,000 crores. Today, it has surged to over ₹1,77,000 crores. Moreover, defense exports have increased from under ₹1,000 crores to a record ₹38,424 crores, establishing India as a manufacturing power and a reliable defense partner globally.
Singh announced that the new project will enable the annual modernization of 80 tanks in Jabalpur. Once completed, the combined capacity of the Heavy Vehicle Factory in Avadi and the Jabalpur facility will allow for the refurbishment of 230 tanks each year. This will ensure timely availability of tanks for the army’s needs. He expressed satisfaction that the ₹472 crore project will also provide opportunities for local talent and technical workforce.
For over 40 years, the Heavy Vehicle Factory has supplied approximately 4,400 tanks to the Indian Army, a figure that instills pride. These tanks continue to stand as a formidable presence at our borders, boosting the morale of our soldiers.
Rajnath Singh reiterated that the approach should not be to view one platform as a substitute for another. India requires drones, missiles, artillery, electronic warfare capabilities, energy weapons, and modernized tanks. The goal is to ensure that soldiers have access to both tanks and drones, with effective coordination between the two. He is confident that the Jabalpur facility will further this vision.
He concluded by stating that this project will be a boon for soldiers who rely on these tanks to defeat enemies. Additionally, it will open new avenues of prosperity and employment for local communities, farmers, laborers, youth, and small entrepreneurs in Jabalpur and surrounding areas. The proposed investment of over ₹16,960 crores in defense manufacturing in the Gwalior-Chambal region reflects the state’s ambitious vision to establish Madhya Pradesh as a leading hub for defense and aerospace manufacturing in India.
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