The Indian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory for more than $180 million to purchase 47 MTU-72 tank bridge layers based on the Soviet T-72 tank. This was reported by Army Recognition.
The purchase of MTU-72 is aimed at increasing the operational efficiency of mechanized forces for deploying bridges during offensive and defensive operations.
Bridge layers support the movement of armored units across rivers and trenches.
MTU-72 have two configurations:
- with a 20-meter bridge for the passage of equipment weighing up to 60 tons
- with a 22-meter bridge for the passage of equipment weighing up to 70 tons
In 1978, India purchased 500 T-72 tanks from the USSR, including modifications T-72M and T-72M1. Heavy Vehicles Factory received a license to manufacture T-72. Over 15 years, the company produced 1,100 tanks under the name Ajeya. Production ceased in 1998.
About MTU-72
The tank bridge layer was developed by the design bureau in Omsk. MTU-72 was produced from 1974 to 1989 at Uralvagonzavod.
MTU-72 specifications:
- Hull length — 11,640 mm
- Hull width — 3,640 mm
- Armor — rolled, cast steel
- Engine power — 840 hp
- Highway speed — 60 km/h
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