Firepower, made in India: MoD signs Rs 2,095 crore deal with BDL for INVAR anti-tank missiles to boost T-90s

Updated: November 16, 2025 03:18

Image Source: India Today

The Ministry of Defence has inked a Rs 2,095.70 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited to procure INVAR anti-tank missiles under the Buy (Indian) category. The laser-guided missiles will enhance the precision and lethality of the Indian Army’s T-90 tanks, strengthening mechanised warfare and advancing indigenous defence manufacturing goals.

Contract details and strategic significance

The agreement, finalised at South Block in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, procures INVAR anti-tank missiles designed to significantly augment the T-90 fleet’s strike capability and battlefield survivability. The deal underscores India’s push for indigenous defence readiness and capability under domestic procurement norms.

Key highlights from the announcement

Deal size and category:

The MoD-BDL contract is valued at Rs 2,095.70 crore, signed under the Buy (Indian) category, reinforcing local production and supply chains for critical munitions.

Platform upgrade:

INVAR missiles are intended for the T-90 main battle tanks, the backbone of India’s armoured regiments, boosting their precision strike and deterrence in mechanised operations.

Guidance and capability:

As a laser-guided anti-tank system with high hit probability, INVAR strengthens accuracy against armoured threats, enhancing firepower and lethality in contested environments.

Operational edge:

Officials highlight that induction will transform mechanised operations, providing an operational advantage and improved readiness for frontline units amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Aatmanirbhar push:

The contract supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by leveraging DPSU expertise and advancing domestic niche tech development for sustained self-reliance in munitions.

Execution and timelines:

With BDL as prime supplier, the structured procurement aims at timely delivery and integration with T-90 units, ensuring rapid capability enhancement across formations.

What it means for the Army and industry

For the Army, the INVAR induction sharpens anti-armour effectiveness and complements existing tank-launched missile inventories, enhancing layered lethality. For industry, the deal signals stable demand and scale for indigenous munitions, anchoring investments, quality improvements, and export potential within India’s defence ecosystem.

Sources: PSU Connect, Republic World, Central Chronicle (UNI)

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