All the regiments of Army's Armoured Corps do not require new tanks. Only eight regiments holding vintage Vijayanta tanks whose operational effectiveness is not upto the mark, require new tanks. 310 T -90 tanks are likely to be contracted during the current year. In addition, T- 72 tanks from Heavy Vehicle Factory, Chennai will be procured.

The ageing Vijayanta tank is likely to be replaced by T -90 tanks within four years after finalisation of the contract agreement with Russia. Upgradation of T- 72 tanks is an ongoing process and will continue during the life span of the equipment.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr George Femandes in a written reply to Mr Suresh Ramrao Jadhav and Dr. Jaswant Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha.