The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹586 crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited to procure indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 tanks, marking a major step in strengthening mechanised formations and advancing India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The agreement was concluded in New Delhi on 21 September 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The APUs will serve as an alternate source of electric power for critical systems such as the fire control system, firing circuit, gun stabilisation system and other ancillaries of the tanks. This capability is expected to significantly enhance the operational readiness, reliability and sustainability of the Army’s armoured units.

The induction of these APUs represents a notable milestone in the indigenisation of critical sub-systems for armoured platforms. The procurement falls under the Make-II framework, which emphasises industry-led research and development.

Officials highlighted that the contract demonstrates the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to translate indigenous innovation into production and induction.

The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047. By focusing on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the project contributes to building a resilient, globally competitive Indian defence industry.

It also underscores the broader objective of achieving Atmanirbharta in defence, reducing dependence on imported technologies and strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.

This contract comes at a time when the Defence Ministry has recently cleared acquisition proposals worth ₹1.10 lakh crore, including high-mobility vehicles, advanced light helicopters and upgrades to fighter jets.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council has accorded Acceptance of Necessity to several projects across the three armed forces, signalling a sustained push towards modernisation and indigenisation.

The APUs will play a crucial role in ensuring that tanks can operate effectively even when their main engines are not running, thereby conserving fuel and reducing wear. This is particularly important for prolonged deployments and combat scenarios where reliability and endurance are paramount.

The procurement also reflects the growing participation of private industry in India’s defence sector. Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited’s involvement highlights the expanding role of domestic companies in delivering advanced technologies for the armed forces.

The move is expected to encourage further collaboration between defence PSUs, private firms and MSMEs, thereby strengthening the overall ecosystem.

By equipping the T-72 and T-90 tanks with indigenously developed APUs, the Indian Army will gain enhanced battlefield resilience, while the defence industry will benefit from increased opportunities for innovation and production.

This dual advantage reinforces the strategic importance of the contract and its contribution to India’s defence preparedness.

Agencies