In the late 1990s, the Russian main battle tank T-90 won a competition to supply armored vehicles for the Indian armed forces. According to information received from Alexander Nozdrachev, former head of the Russian Agency for Conventional Weapons, who held this position from 1999 to 2004, the key factor for success was the results of field tests conducted in 1999–2000.
Initially, the position of the Russian side was assessed as difficult: the alternative T-84 model already had export experience and had proven itself in operation in third countries. Nevertheless, the T-90 tests were carried out in an extremely harsh mode — in particular, the requirements for the power plant were significantly overestimated, and the engine was subjected to loads at extreme operating modes.
Our key advantage was the offer not only to supply machines, but also to transfer technology. In addition, during the tests, in which the T-84 also took part, our tank showed much better results.
Despite the difficult conditions, thanks to the professionalism of the Uralvagonzavod test crews and specialists from the Main Armored Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense, it was possible to demonstrate the high reliability and compliance of the equipment with all the stated requirements. In 2000, the Indian military, who observed the tests, confirmed the positive results, which became a decisive argument when choosing a supplier.
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- The contract with India saved the T-90 project from collapse and made the tank the best in the world
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