NEW DELHI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Indian defense ministry on Friday signed a 248-million-U.S. dollar deal with Russia's Rosoboronexport for the procurement of engines for T-72 tanks.
The deal also includes the transfer of technology from the Russian side to the state-run Armored Vehicles Nigam Limited (heavy vehicle factory) based at Avadi in the southern city of Chennai, according to a statement by the ministry.
India will buy "1,000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions," said the statement.
According to the ministry, T-72 is the mainstay of the tank fleet of the Indian army, which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine.
"Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1,000 HP Engine will enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian army," the ministry said in the statement. ■
