The Indian Army has initiated an unprecedented transformation of its T-72 tank fleet, which was scheduled for retirement by 2030. Instead of being decommissioned, the vehicles will receive a second life as autonomous combat platforms, remotely controlled. The project will extend the life of the legendary tanks by two decades and fundamentally change the tactics of armored forces on the battlefield.
The conversion involves installing autonomous control kits with internet protocol-based interfaces on the tanks. Indian developers will create two prototype robotic T-72s for field testing. The first unmanned tanks will be deployed for combat duty by 2030, replacing crews in the most dangerous missions.
Robotic T-72s will undertake tasks that are deadly for humans. The vehicles will breach minefields, lead assaults on fortified positions, draw enemy fire, conduct reconnaissance in active resistance zones, and serve as expendable strike assets in intense battles. The manned-unmanned teaming concept will allow crews to control robots from a safe distance.
The army command expects to extend the operational life of the T-72 fleet until 2045-2050. Hundreds of vehicles that were prepared for scrap will become the foundation of the Indian army's unmanned armored shield. The program will be the world's largest project for converting outdated tanks into autonomous combat systems.
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