The latest move by the Indian Army to improve the firepower and overall performance of its fleet of Russian tanks involves a unique improvisation that has produced a hybrid of two iconic tanks – the T-72 and the T-90

With the weaknesses of Russia’s tanks being exposed during the ongoing war with Ukraine, the Indian Army has decided to upgrade the Russian armour in its inventory.

The move intends to upgrade the now vulnerable T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) with newer technology and improved firepower was reported last year by FirstPost.

Developed by the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, the tanks fuse the T-72’s hull with the T-90s turret, creating a new tank.

As per the specifications, ‘Atharva’ weighs 45.8 tons. It is lighter than the T-90s but weighs more than the T-72s. The hybrid tank is powered by the V92S2 high-power multifuel engine that boasts 1,000 hp and has been specifically designed for the T-90 MBT reported EA Times.

The Indian Army unveiled the Atharva, a hybrid tank that combines the T-72 tank's main body with the T-90 Bhishma's turret, in January 2024. The Atharva is a strategic combination of two powerful tank models that offers a promising blend of power, agility, and cutting-edge technology.

This hybrid marvel, which underwent trials in India last year, represents a strategic integration of two formidable tank models, offering a promising blend of power, agility, and cutting-edge technology. ATHARVA's distinctive feature lies in its innovative fusion of the T-72 tank hull with the T-90 tank turret.

The Indian Army, meanwhile, has created a unique hybrid tank by combining the main body of the T-72 tank with the turret of the T-90 Bhishma.

This hybrid tank, which boasts more firepower than the original T-72, has also been reinforced with an Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) originally developed by DRDO for the Arjun MBT.

This hybrid tank, which has been spotted while undergoing tests, is also equipped with Cannon-fired ATGMs.

The Atharva is powered by the V92S2 high-power multifuel engine, which is specifically designed for the T-90 MBT. The hybrid tank weighs 45.8 tonnes, making it lighter than the T-90s but heavier than the T-72s. The Atharva also has more firepower than the original T-72 and has been reinforced with DRDO's Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).

The Atharva is scheduled to be rolled out within the next few months and is expected to undergo desert trials for the first time this summer.