New Delhi: The Indian Army has successfully enhanced the operational capability of 96 of its legacy T-72 battle tanks by installing indigenously manufactured Thermal Imaging Fire Control Systems (TIFCS) under the government’s Make in India defence initiative.
This upgrade dramatically improves the tanks’ ability to operate in low-light and night combat conditions, a key factor in modern battlefields.
The T-72 tanks, long a backbone of India’s armoured corps, previously faced limitations during night missions due to older optical sights. With the addition of the TIFCS units, these tanks can now detect, track and engage targets efficiently in darkness or poor visibility — a significant boost to battlefield effectiveness.
Details of T-72 Tanks Upgrade
The newly fitted Thermal Imaging Fire Control Systems use advanced infrared technology to ‘see’ through darkness, dust and low visibility. These systems automatically gather sensor data, perform ballistic calculations, and provide corrected targeting information to the tank’s gun system, enabling accurate firing even at night.
Firing validation trials for the systems were carried out by Army personnel in late 2025, with the hardware meeting all performance benchmarks. This clearance now paves the way for operational induction of the upgraded tanks across relevant armoured units.
Made in India, With Strategic Partnerships
The TIFCS units were produced by Alpha-Elsec Defence & Aerospace Systems Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Elbit Systems of Israel. While initially developed with technical assistance, the systems were manufactured in India, aligning with the government’s push for defence self-reliance and local production.
Alpha-Elsec’s CEO highlighted the company’s growing role in supplying advanced opto-electronic and fire-control technologies to the Indian armed forces, strengthening the nation’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Importance of T-72 Tanks Upgrade
The T-72 tanks form a key part of the Indian Army’s mechanised forces, which also include more advanced platforms like the T-90 and future combat vehicle programmes. While a major effort is underway to modernise and eventually replace legacy tanks with next-generation armoured platforms, upgrades like these demonstrate how existing assets can be enhanced to meet evolving battlefield demands.
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