WhatsApp Channel Join Now
Telegram Group Join Now

Relevance: GS-III (Internal Security, Defence Tech, Self-Reliance) Source: Ministry of Defence Updates, August 2026

1 · News

The Indian Army uses powerful Russian-origin tanks, mainly the T-72 and T-90. Just like trucks or buses need regular servicing to run smoothly, these heavy war machines require a complete “overhaul” to stay battle-ready.

Currently, our main factory in Tamil Nadu repairs about 150 tanks a year, but the army actually needs 230 ready. To clear this backlog, the government is setting up a new ₹472-crore repair facility in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. This step is a shining example of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). It ensures we can maintain our own weapons domestically, without begging foreign nations for help during a crisis.

2 · Solving the Maintenance Gap

Step 1: The Annual Target
To ensure zero compromise on national security, the Indian Army requires exactly 230 tanks to be fully serviced and upgraded every year.
▼
Step 2: The Capacity Shortage
The old Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi can only handle 150 tanks annually, leaving a constant, risky shortfall of 80 tanks.
▼
Step 3: The MP Solution
The new Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) will take up the exact remaining load of 80 tanks per year, successfully clearing the bottleneck.
▼
Step 4: Future-Ready Upgrades
During these repairs, older tanks are fitted with modern electronics and sensors so they can easily fight alongside new drones and cyber units.

3 · Key Defence Terms

T-Series Tanks
The Steel Warriors
The T-72 (‘Ajeya’) and T-90 (‘Bhishma’) are Russian-designed battle tanks. They act as the primary, heavy-hitting land force of the Indian Army.
Integrated Combat
Fighting as a Team
Modern wars aren’t fought by tanks alone. They must be linked electronically with drones, fighter jets, and artillery to strike the enemy together.
AVNL
The New Managers
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited is a modern government company formed in 2021. Its job is to professionally manufacture and repair military vehicles.
MSME Impact
Boosting Local Jobs
A single tank has thousands of parts. Buying these parts from small, local factories in Madhya Pradesh will boost local businesses and create employment.

Prelims Quick Facts: Growth & Reforms
Defence Growth India’s domestic defence production has taken a massive leap, growing from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.80 lakh crore in 2025-26.
Export Boom We are no longer just buyers. Today, India successfully exports military goods worth ₹39,000 crore to other nations.
OFB Restructuring To cut red tape and bring corporate efficiency, the 200-year-old Ordnance Factory Board was split into seven specialized companies, including AVNL.
Strategic Independence Building repair hubs at home protects India from global supply shocks. If a war blocks foreign shipments, our army will not be paralyzed.

MCQ Practice Question
Q. Consider the following statements regarding India’s defence manufacturing and armoured vehicles:

  1. The T-72 ‘Ajeya’ and T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks are entirely indigenous creations of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  2. Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) was established by corporatizing the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
  3. The new ₹472-crore tank overhaul facility is located at the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

  • Statement 1 — Incorrect (the trap): The T-72 and T-90 are battle tanks of Russian origin, not built from scratch by DRDO. (DRDO developed the indigenous Arjun tank).
  • Statement 2 — Correct: AVNL is one of the seven new defence PSUs created in 2021 to modernize the functioning of the old Ordnance Factory Board.
  • Statement 3 — Correct: The new overhaul facility is indeed being built at the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) to support the main factory in Avadi.
Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation Course

Recent Posts

Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation BATCH
Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation Course

Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success

Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.