The Indian Ministry of Defence is preparing to place a massive order worth between ₹2,000 crore and ₹3,000 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of 500 Invar Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). This high-value procurement aims to strengthen the combat capability of India’s T-90 tanks, giving them enhanced long-range precision against armoured enemy threats.
What Are Invar Missiles?
Invar is an advanced ATGM developed for launch from tank platforms, notably India's T-90 fleet. Key features include:
- Tandem Warhead: Designed to penetrate even explosive reactive armour (ERA) on enemy tanks.
- Laser Beam Guidance: Uses SACLOS (semi-automatic command to line-of-sight) technology for accurate targeting.
- High Precision, Minimal Collateral: Effective against moving and static targets, minimizing battlefield damage.
Financial and Approval Status
The procurement proposal is currently undergoing financial vetting:
- Deals up to ₹2,000 crore can be greenlit by the Defence Minister.
- Orders between ₹2,000 crore and ₹3,000 crore need Finance Ministry clearance.
- Anything beyond ₹3,000 crore requires Union Cabinet approval.
Strategic Importance
The move aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, underlining India’s push for self-reliance in defence production. As a key public sector entity, BDL is expected to play a pivotal role in supplying next-gen indigenous missile systems. The contract is not just a boost for the Indian Army’s arsenal but also a shot in the arm for India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.