India Signs BDL Contract for Invar ATGMs to Equip T-90 Tanks, Enhancing Armoured Readiness

NEW DELHI, November 13, 2025 – India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to supply Invar anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) for the Indian Army’s T-90 main battle tanks. The agreement was signed at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and is aimed at strengthening the operational readiness of the Army’s Armoured Regiments.

Contract Overview

Senior ministry officials and representatives from BDL signed the agreement in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi, on 13 November 2025. The contract is intended to supply the Indian Army’s Armoured Regiments with Invar ATGMs for deployment on T-90 main battle tanks.

According to the MoD, the acquisition supports a requirement to improve combat preparedness by inducting new missile systems for the Army’s core battle tank fleet. The procurement falls under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, underscoring the government’s push to leverage domestic defence manufacturing capabilities through Defence Public Sector Undertakings.

Invar Missile Capabilities

BDL’s product information describes the Invar as a laser-guided anti-tank guided missile designed for integration with 125mm tank guns. Key specifications include:

• Length: 695mm
• Calibre: 125mm
• Missile weight: 17.2kg
• Throwing device weight: 7.1kg
• Maximum range: up to 5,000 metres
• Target engagement: stationary and moving targets, including those travelling at speeds up to 70km/h
• Reported flight time: 17.6 seconds

These specifications position the Invar ATGM as a capability enhancer for India’s T-90 fleet, geared to counter armoured threats at extended ranges.

Indigenisation and Procurement Focus

The MoD stated that the procurement, which falls under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, demonstrates ongoing efforts by the government to use existing expertise within Defence Public Sector Undertakings to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army. The move aligns with broader policy objectives to deepen domestic supply chains and sustain long-term support for the Army’s armoured platforms.

Background: Previous Orders and Upgrade Plans

BDL previously received a contract in 2013 from the MoD for the supply of Invar anti-tank guided missiles to be fitted on T-90 main battle tanks under a $469m agreement. That order contributed to building up stockpiles for India’s armoured units and established BDL as a key supplier for tank-launched guided munitions.

In 2017, Press Trust of India reported, citing army sources, that the Indian Army planned to equip T-90 tanks with a third-generation missile system intended to replace the current Invar guidance system and further improve strike capability. The latest contract signals continued support for T-90 firepower while the Army pursues longer-term upgrades.

Defence Spending Outlook

According to data and analytics firm GlobalData, India’s defence expenditure is expected to total $543.1bn between 2026 and 2030, as the country continues initiatives to upgrade its military capabilities. The Invar ATGM procurement fits within a broader modernization drive across land systems, munitions, and indigenous production lines.

Strategic Implications for the Armoured Corps

By bolstering the T-90’s anti-armour lethality with a domestically supplied, laser-guided missile, the Indian Army aims to sustain its operational readiness across varied terrain and threat environments. The integration of Invar ATGMs enhances the T-90’s precision engagement capability at range, complementing the tank’s existing firepower and survivability.

Conclusion

The MoD-BDL agreement for Invar ATGMs marks a fresh step in India’s armoured capability modernization and supports the government’s ‘Buy (Indian)’ procurement policy. It adds to earlier acquisitions for T-90 tanks and coincides with a larger defence spending trajectory aimed at strengthening indigenous production and operational readiness. Further details on delivery schedules or quantities were not disclosed in the public announcement.