The firepower and lethality of Tank T-90, the mainstay of Armoured Regiments of the Indian Army, is set to get a massive boost as the defence ministry has signed a big contract for the procurement of INVAR Anti-tank Missiles. In a major capability enhancement for the Indian Army’s armoured formations, the MoD on Thursday (November 13, 2025) signed a Rs 2,095.70 crore contract with leading defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, the agreement for INVAR missiles was formalised in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking a significant step in India’s push towards defence indigenisation.
How Will INVAR Missiles Strengthen India’s T-90 Fleet?
The INVAR missile will serve as a major firepower upgrade for the T-90 Main Battle Tanks, the backbone of India’s Armoured Regiments. Key advantages include laser-guided precision with high hit probability; ability to engage stationary and moving targets; enhanced lethality in mechanised warfare scenarios.
Officials said the weapon will transform the conduct of armoured operations, giving the Army a decisive edge against enemy armour. The procurement of the INVAR Anti-tank Missiles enhances the firepower and lethality of Tank T-90, the mainstay of Armoured Regiments of the Indian Army. The weapon system is a sophisticated laser-guided anti-tank missile with very high hit probability, the defence ministry underscored.
What can INVAR ATGMs actually do?
As per BDL’s specifications, the INVAR (3 UBK 20) missile is fired directly from the T-90 tank’s gun barrel, designed to destroy armoured vehicles fitted with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), effective up to 5 km (5000 metres), equipped with advanced laser guidance for pinpoint accuracy.
Its extended range and armour-penetration capability make it one of the most potent tank-launched anti-tank systems in service.
The decision to procure under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category reflects the government’s focus on Aatmanirbharta in defence. This category mandates minimum 50% indigenous content if the product is designed, developed, and manufactured in India; minimum 60% indigenous content if the product is manufactured in India but designed abroad.
While the INVAR missiles are produced by BDL, they are built under technical collaboration with Russia’s Rosoboronexport, fulfilling Indian content requirements.
What does this deal mean for India’s defence industry?
The MoD highlighted that the procurement leverages the established expertise of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) while encouraging the development of niche technologies by domestic companies. The deal is seen as a reinforcement of India’s push for indigenisation, strengthening public–private synergy in defence manufacturing.
By boosting the T-90’s combat capability, India aims to maintain a strong deterrent along sensitive borders.