The Indian Army has launched a program to replace its aging fleet of nearly 2,400 T-72 "Ajeya" main battle tanks, which have been the backbone of India's armored formations for decades, according to the Indian Defense Research Wing. They are to be replaced by the "Ranjit" combat vehicle with AI and drone integration capabilities: but for now, the new vehicle is only in the development stage.
In March 2026, the army extended the service life of 1,200 T-72s until approximately 2040. This is a temporary measure to maintain combat readiness until the serial production of the new Indian platform begins. India's Defense Acquisition Council has already approved the acquisition of 1,770 new vehicles. The state funds up to 70 percent of the prototype development costs.
The "Ranjit" is being designed in the 55–60 ton weight class. This will ensure compatibility with the railway network and heavy C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The vehicle will feature artificial intelligence for target recognition, sensor data fusion, and accelerated decision-making. Integration with reconnaissance drones and loitering munitions is also planned. A key element of survivability will be an active protection system with interception of missiles and munitions from the air.
According to IDRW estimates, prototype development will be completed by 2028–2029, and serial production will begin in 2030–2032. The successful implementation of the program will mark India's historic abandonment of Soviet and Russian T-72, T-90, and BMP platforms in favor of complete self-sufficiency, analysts emphasize.
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