Why in news?
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth over ₹2,095 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited to procure INVAR anti‑tank guided missiles for India’s T‑90 main battle tanks. The deal aims to enhance the firepower of armoured units and promote domestic defence manufacturing.
Background
The INVAR missile, also known as the 3UBK‑20 Refleks, was originally developed by Russia and is produced in India under licence by Bharat Dynamics Limited. It is designed to be fired from the 125 mm smooth‑bore gun of T‑90 tanks and uses a semi‑automatic, laser beam‑riding guidance system that is resistant to electronic jamming.
Key specifications
- Warhead: A tandem‑charge warhead penetrates up to 700 millimetres of armour even behind Explosive Reactive Armour, making it effective against modern tanks.
- Range and speed: The missile can engage targets from 75 metres out to 5 kilometres. Its flight time to maximum range is about 17.6 seconds.
- Dimensions and weight: The missile is 695 millimetres long and weighs 17.2 kilograms; the associated launching device weighs 7.1 kilograms.
- Target engagement: INVAR can destroy stationary or moving armoured vehicles travelling up to 70 kilometres per hour. It is fired through the tank’s main gun barrel and is guided by the gunner via the tank’s fire‑control optics.
Importance
- Enhanced lethality: Equipping T‑90 tanks with INVAR missiles increases their ability to destroy heavily armoured adversaries at long ranges.
- Indigenous production: Manufacturing the missile domestically under licence reduces reliance on foreign suppliers and supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self‑reliance) initiative.
- Technological advancement: The semi‑automatic laser beam‑riding guidance and tandem warhead reflect modern anti‑tank technology, ensuring that India’s armoured corps remain competitive.
Sources: News on Air, Bharat Dynamics Limited