New Delhi: India has taken another important step towards strengthening its armored forces with a new T-72 and T-90 tank auxiliary power unit contract worth ₹586 crore.
The Ministry of Defence has signed an agreement with accurate industrial controls private limited to supply indigenous auxiliary power units (APUs) for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks. The project aims to improve combat readiness, reduce engine wear, and support India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Indian Army Indigenous APUs Deal: Defence Ministry Signs ₹586 Crore Contract
The Ministry of Defence officially signed the contract on September 21, 2026, in New Delhi.
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The agreement was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and will see indigenous APUs being supplied for India’s large fleet of T-72 and T-90 tanks.
This contract is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
What Is An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
An Auxiliary Power Unit, or APU, is a separate power source installed inside a tank. It generates electricity without requiring the tank’s main engine to run continuously. This allows important onboard systems to operate while saving fuel and reducing wear on the engine.
Indian Army Indigenous APUs Deal: Which Tank Systems Will Benefit
The APU provides power to several critical systems, including:
- Fire control systems
- Firing circuits
- Gun stabilization systems
- Surveillance equipment
- Other electrical systems inside the tank
This ensures the tank remains operational even when the main engine is switched off.
Why Is Indian Army Indigenous APUs Deal Important For The Indian Army
Tanks often spend long hours in surveillance and observation roles. Without an APU, the main engine must keep running to power electronic systems. With the new APUs, tanks can remain alert and operational while conserving engine life.
Improved Reliability
The Defence Ministry says the indigenous APUs will improve the operational readiness, reliability, and sustainability of mechanized formations.
This means tanks can stay mission-ready for longer periods with lower maintenance requirements.
Why T-72 And T-90 Tanks Matter
The T-72 and T-90 tanks form the core of India’s armored regiments. They are deployed across various terrains and remain among the most important combat platforms in the Indian Army.
Supporting A Large Fleet
India operates a significant number of T-72 and T-90 tanks. Upgrading these platforms with modern indigenous subsystems helps extend their operational effectiveness and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
Indian Army Indigenous APUs Deal: A Major Boost For Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The APUs are being supplied by an Indian company, Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited. The Defence Ministry described the project as an important example of indigenous innovation moving successfully from development to military deployment.
Developed Under The Make-II Framework
The project falls under the Make-II category, which encourages industry-led research and development. The framework allows Indian companies to create defence technologies and bring them into service with the armed forces.
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FAQs
The Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks will receive the indigenous APUs under the ₹586 crore contract.
An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a separate power source that generates electricity for a tank’s critical systems without requiring the main engine to run continuously.
The contract improves tank readiness, reduces dependence on imports, supports indigenous defence manufacturing, and strengthens the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
