T-55 Upgraded
India1970 - 2011
The T-55 in Indian service was a Soviet-origin medium tank acquired in large numbers (1,700+) and upgraded under Project Gulmohar. Original specifications: 36-40 tons, 100mm D-10T rifled gun (later upgraded to 105mm L7A1 on some), V-55 520hp diesel engine, maximum speed 48 km/h, range 510-600 km with long-range tanks. Length 9.0m (gun forward), width 3.27m, height 2.35m. Crew of 4. Gulmohar upgrade included 105mm L7A1 gun (from Vijayanta), improved fire control (Yugoslav SUV-T55A), night vision equipment, and extended service life. Approximately 700-800 upgraded by late 1990s. Last T-55 phased out from active service 2011; some remain in storage/static defense.
Primary Specifications
Main gun
105mm L7 Rifled
Upgraded from original 100mm
Engine
580 HP
Upgraded diesel powerplant
Weight
36 tonnes
Modernized legacy weight
Speed
50 km/h
Improved over base model
Range
500 km
Enhanced fuel capacity
Crew
4
Standard crew complement
Quick Summary
What's different?
Project Gulmohar (1984-1999) at 512 Army Base Workshop, Khadki upgraded tanks with Vijayanta's 105mm L7A1 gun (replacing 100mm D-10T), Yugoslav SUV-T55A fire control, night vision, and extended service life by 15-20 years. Indian T-55s famously fitted with fake fume extractors to distinguish from Pakistani Type 59s.
Why it matters?
Combat-proven in 1971 war including decisive Battle of Basantar (destroyed 46 Pakistani M48s, lost 10). Project Gulmohar demonstrated Indian capability for indigenous tank upgrade programs. Some remain as LoC static defenses.
Real-World Impact
1
1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
T-55s of Indian Army saw extensive action in East Pakistan. At Garibpur (November 22), T-55s of 63 Cavalry destroyed 3 Pakistani M24 Chaffees. First combat use of T-55 by Indian forces.
2
Battle of Basantar (1971)
Decisive Western Front engagement. Indian T-55s destroyed 46 Pakistani M47/M48 Pattons losing only 10 tanks. Demonstrated T-55 superiority over US-supplied Pakistani armor in Indian tactical conditions.
3
Project Gulmohar Upgrade
Major overhaul program at 512 Army Base Workshop, Khadki from 1984-1999. Over 900 tanks overhauled at cost of Rs 10 lakh each (vs Rs 4 crore for new tank). Extended service to 2015.
4
Static Defense Role
Post-retirement, T-55 turrets installed as static pillboxes along LoC similar to Vijayanta. Used for defensive fire positions where mobility not required. Some displayed as memorials.
Additional Features
Armor
Steel
Other key features
Mostly retired; some converted to bridge layers/support
FAQs
1. What was the original armament?
100mm D-10T rifled gun with 43 rounds. Semi-automatic vertical sliding breech block. Rate of fire 4 rounds/min. Project Gulmohar replaced with 105mm L7A1 from Vijayanta for NATO ammunition commonality.2. How many did India acquire?
3. What was Project Gulmohar?
4. Why the fake fume extractors?
5. Are any still in service?
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