Vehicle Factory Jabalpur to overhaul T-72 tanks amid rising demand from Army

Indore: In a significant move to bolster the capabilities of the Indian armed forces, Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur (VFJ) officially commenced the overhauling of T-72 tanks to cater to a surge in demand from the Indian Army for upgraded versions of these battle tanks.
The first T-72 tank arrived at VFJ from the Armoured Vehicles Corporation Limited in Chennai, marking the beginning of a comprehensive modernization effort. To support this endeavour, VFJ is establishing an additional facility dedicated to tank overhauling, with an estimated investment of Rs 600 crore.
VFJ chief general manager Sanjeev Kumar Bhola said, "There has been a surge in demand for upgraded versions from the Indian Army for which there was a need to develop an additional facility, and Vehicle Factory Jabalpur was chosen as the preferred location for overhauling. We formed a specialized team trained at Avadi to oversee the overhauling process. Our plan includes a pilot overhauling of two tanks by Dec 2025."
The T-72 tank, originally designed and manufactured in the Soviet Union, was imported by India in the 1970s. Over the decades, local production and upgrades took place, notably at Heavy Vehicle Factory in Avadi, ensuring the tank remains a vital component of India's armoured fleet.
To ensure the successful execution of the overhauling process, a skilled team of over 25 personnel was assembled. Prior to starting work at VFJ, this team underwent extensive training at the Heavy Vehicle Factory in Chennai, equipping them with the necessary skills to enhance the T-72 tanks.
"This initiative is part of a broader commitment to modernise India's defence capabilities and promote self-reliance through local production and technology transfer to state-owned entities. With these upgrades, the Indian Army aims to keep pace with advancements and maintain a robust armoured fleet," said Bhola.