T-72 CIA
India2000 - Present
The T-72 Combat Improved Ajeya (CI Ajeya) is India's modernized version of the license-produced Soviet T-72M1 main battle tank. Weighing approximately 44-46 tons, it features a 125mm 2A46 smoothbore gun with carousel autoloader, V-46-6 diesel engine (780hp), and upgraded ERA, fire control, and electronics. Length 9.53m (gun forward), width 3.59m, height 2.23m. Crew of 3. CI Ajeya upgrades include Polish SKO-1T fire control system with thermal imaging, DRDO-developed ERA, Integrated Fire Detection and Suppression System (IFDSS), GPS navigation, and 81mm smoke grenade launchers. Approximately 1,900 T-72M1 Ajeya produced at HVF Avadi; ~2,400 in total inventory including upgrades. Phaseout planned as T-90 fleet expands.
Primary Specifications
Main gun
125mm 2A46
Upgraded smoothbore cannon
Engine
780 HP
V-84MS diesel engine
Weight
44 tonnes
Lightweight legacy platform
Speed
60 km/h
Improved mobility over base model
Range
460 km
Upgraded fuel system
Crew
3
Standard Soviet autoloader
Quick Summary
What's different?
Polish SKO-1T fire control system (from PT-91 Twardy) provides modern thermal imaging sight capability. DRDO-developed ERA enhances protection. Operation Rhino upgrade program aimed to modernize 1,500 tanks. Tata RCWS integration with 12.7mm NSV HMG on latest variants.
Why it matters?
Cost-effective modernization of 1,700+ T-72M1 fleet keeps tanks combat-relevant while indigenous tank programs develop. 60% parts commonality with T-90 eases logistics.
Real-World Impact
1
Ladakh Border Deployment
T-72 Ajeya deployed to Ladakh during 2020 India-China standoff. Russian-origin design suited for cold climates with proven cold-start reliability.
2
Operation Rhino Modernization
Launched 2001 to upgrade 1,500 T-72M1s. Includes Polish SKO-1T thermal fire control, DRDO ERA, fire suppression systems, GPS. 250+ vehicles upgraded by 2011.
3
RCWS Integration
Recent T-72 CIA upgrades include Tata Advanced Systems Remote-Controlled Weapon Station with 12.7mm NSV HMG, improving crew protection during secondary armament use.
4
Export Modernization Program
India planning to refurbish and export retired T-72s to Africa, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Modernization at HVF Avadi with enhanced firepower, protection, and mobility.
Additional Features
Armor
Steel + ERA
Other key features
Combat Improved Ajeya; thermal imaging; upgraded FCS
FAQs
1. What is the main armament?
125mm 2A46 smoothbore gun with carousel autoloader. Fires APFSDS, HEAT-FS, HE-Frag. 24 ready rounds in autoloader, 45 total. Can fire 9M119 ATGMs after upgrade.2. What is the CI Ajeya upgrade package?
3. Why is India upgrading rather than replacing?
4. How does engine compare to T-90?
5. What is the 'Atharva' hybrid tank?
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