The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract on 21 September 2026 for the procurement of indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks. The contract was signed in New Delhi with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh present, and Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited, Pune, received the order.
Auxiliary Power Unit in Armoured Vehicles
An Auxiliary Power Unit is a secondary power source used in military vehicles and aircraft to supply electricity when the main engine is not running. In tanks, an APU supports systems such as the fire control system, firing circuit, and gun stabilisation system.
T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks
The T-72 and T-90 are tracked armoured fighting vehicles used by the Indian Army as Main Battle Tanks. The T-90 is a Russian-origin tank family, and the T-72 is an earlier Soviet-origin tank family that remains in service in several armies.
The Indian Army’s total requirement for APUs is about 3,257 units, including 1,657 for the T-90 and 1,600 for the T-72. The present contract covers only a part of this requirement.
Make-II Procurement Route
The APUs were developed under the Make-II route of the Defence Acquisition Procedure. The Make-II category covers industry-led design and development projects without government funding, and it is used for indigenous defence production.
Indigenous defence manufacturing is linked with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Acquisition Procedure, and the broader framework of self-reliance in defence production.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Ministry of Defence signed the contract on 21 September 2026.
- The contract value was ₹586 crore.
- The order was placed with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited of Pune.
- The APUs are meant for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks.
Defence Procurement and Tank Systems
Fire control systems, firing circuits, and gun stabilisation systems are standard components of modern battle tanks. Auxiliary power units are used in armoured platforms to reduce dependence on the main engine during stationary operations.
