Defence Ministry seals Rs 586-crore deal for indigenous tank power units

The Defence Ministry on Monday signed a Rs 586-crore contract with a group to procure auxiliary power units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 tanks to bolster the operational readiness and reliability of the Indian Army's mechanised formations, officials said.

The contract was signed with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in Delhi.

How APUs will support tank operations

The APU is an alternate source for the generation of electric power for the fire control system, firing circuit, gun stabilisation system and other ancillaries of the tank, the ministry said.

"The induction of indigenously developed APUs will further strengthen the operational readiness, reliability and sustainability of the Indian Army's mechanised formations," it said in a statement.

Focus on indigenous defence production

The procurement, it said, is a "significant step" towards indigenisation of critical sub-systems of armoured platforms and demonstrates industry-led research and development ('Make-II').

Officials said the deal also shows the effectiveness of the mechanism in translating indigenous innovation into production and induction.

The contract is aligned with the government's vision of 'Viksit Bharat at 2047' and marks a "notable milestone" towards achieving 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence and building a resilient, self-reliant and globally competitive Indian defence industry, the ministry said.