Army eyes T-90 mock tanks to counter drone threat

Keeping in mind the damage drones cause to tanks in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the Indian Army is planning to procure full-scale 'mock tanks' to mimic the T-90 tanks in its fleet.

These 'mock tanks' will deceive drones into believing that real tanks are deployed. It is expected that surveillance by enemy drones would show ‘tanks’ being stationed. This has a two-pronged effect. First, the adversary can choose to attack these 'mock tanks' using the ammunition on the drones, and second, change the position of its own troops.

The use of ‘mock-ups’ is an old military tactic. Ukraine used it recently. India, too, has employed similar tactics in the past. However, advancements in technology now allow mock-ups to look very real.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), the first step in the tendering process, seeking an unspecified number of ‘mock-ups’ of the T-90 tanks.

The RFI is open to both Indian private sector firms and public sector undertaking, with a clear mandate that the products must be ‘made in India’.

According to the technical parameters by the MoD, the ‘mock-up’ should generate noise and have thermal signature (heat exhaust) like a real tank. Sensors and drones of the adversary will pick up heat and noise signatures.

Additionally, the mock tanks must have same dimensional characteristics—height, width, ground clearance, slope of armour—as well as other external fittings such as radio antennas, wind sensors, and external fuel tanks.

The MoD in its RFI said these ‘mock-ups’ will help preserve real tanks from drone attacks. They will be used in the terrain and environmental conditions as existing in the Indian subcontinent.

In a parallel development, the Army is also looking at procurement of light artillery guns. These guns are expected to be 105 mm, 37 calibre, and mounted on vehicles. The Army wants these gun systems can be deployed by dropping them with parachutes to a desired location.

The MoD has already given ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ for this requirement and is expected to issue a Request for Proposal to prospective vendors by June 1.