Article Posted on : - Mar 30, 2012

The full-scale prototype of T-90S advanced main battle tank on display at Defexpo 2012. A Brahmand photo

NEW DELHI (BNS): Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport is taking part in the seventh edition of biennial Defexpo India in a big way by showcasing over 150 military and related products.

Russia, which has remained the top defence supplier of India for several decades, is being represented by over 30 defence companies at Defexpo 2012 which began in New Delhi on March 29.

This year, the main attraction from the Russian side is the display of full-scale model of the advanced T-90S main battle tank variant. The modernised tank, fitted with a new turret, is being displayed for the first time at the international event.

The T-90S tank turret is fitted with a new automated fire control system, a more precise 125-mm gun, a remotely controlled 7.62-mm machine gun, and a new explosive reactive armour providing an enhanced level of counteraction to all existing antitank guided missiles, as well as additional protection from high-precision weapons, mines and field charges.

For its demonstration, the ''Uralvagonzavod Research and Production Corporation'', JSC has set up a separate exposition with a full-scale prototype of the new tank in desert environment.

The debut of the T-90S at Defexpo India 2012 is expected to attract the attention of foreign delegations, and, subsequently, a good number of contracts for land forces, Rosoboronexport said.

Besides the advanced tank, other Russian weapons and equipment on display include the Kornet-EM antitank missile system, BMPT fire support combat vehicle, BMP-3M infantry combat vehicle, BTR-80A armoured personnel carrier and Smerch multiple launch rocket system among others.

The naval systems on display include the Amur-1650 and Project 636 diesel-electrical submarines, Gepard 3.9 and Project 22356 frigates, Tigr and Project 11356 patrol ships, Tornado small missile ship (gunship), Mirage, Mangust, Sobol patrol boats, various sets of shipborne armaments, maritime control and surveillance systems.

There are also plans to discuss during the exhibition upgrading programmes for the T-72 and T-90S tanks supplied earlier to the Indian Army.

"Rosoboronexport proposes comprehensive modernisation programmes able to substantially improve basic parameters, such as firepower, protection and mobility," it said.