Israel’s Trophy APS May Equip 1,200 T-90S Bhishma Tanks

At Aero India 2025, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, an Israeli defence technology leader, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a prominent Indian industrial conglomerate, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on promoting the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) for the Indian Ministry of Defense.

This agreement marks a preliminary step, but it underscores the potential expansion of this advanced Israeli defence technology into South Asia’s rapidly evolving, strategically significant defence market.

The Trophy APS, renowned for its effectiveness in safeguarding armoured vehicles against anti-tank missiles and other threats, is being considered not only for India’s domestically produced Arjun tanks but also for the T-90S Bhishma tanks.

India acquired the T-90S tanks from Russia in the early 2000s, and approximately 1,200 of these tanks are currently in service, alongside around 2,500 T-72 tanks. The integration of Trophy-APS into these platforms aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernise its armoured fleet, particularly in light of escalating military competition with neighbouring Pakistan and potential conflicts with China.

The potential deployment of Trophy APS on T90S tanks reflects a pragmatic approach to modernisation that balances the need for immediate upgrades with the long-term goal of enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities under the “Made in India” initiative.

Strategic Implications and Broader Modernization Efforts

Trophy APS integration into India’s armoured vehicles extends beyond T-90S and Arjun tanks. L&T is currently focusing on developing the Zorawar family of light tanks.

Designed for high-altitude operations, the Zorawar tanks aim to counter China’s growing military presence, particularly its Type 15 light tanks. Equipping Zorawar with the Trophy APS would provide robust protection against emerging threats while bolstering India’s defence manufacturing and technological expertise.

This collaboration between Israel and India comes at a critical juncture, as the geopolitical landscape in South Asia grows increasingly tense. India’s efforts to localise the production of advanced defence systems, coupled with its rapid adoption of cutting-edge military technologies, place the country as a key player in the global arms market.

While the specifics of the deal, including costs and delivery timelines, remain undisclosed, the potential for local production of Trophy APS in India could yield significant strategic and economic benefits, enhancing the nation’s defence industrial base.

The T-90S Bhishma: A Symbol of India’s Armored Modernization

The T-90S Bhishma Tank, a customised variant of the Russian T-90S, has become a cornerstone of India’s armoured forces. Named after the legendary warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata, the Bhishma tank was first acquired in 2001, with an initial order of 310 units. Of these, 124 were delivered fully assembled, while the remainder were produced domestically using Russian-supplied kits at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, Tamil Nadu.

This approach strengthened India’s defence manufacturing capability and ensured the tanks were tailored to meet the unique operational demands of Indian terrain. The Bhishma tank features several enhancements over its Russian counterpart, including a more powerful 1,000-horsepower engine, providing superior mobility across diverse landscapes, from deserts to mountainous regions.

Its primary armament, a 125-mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, is capable of firing advanced ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and guided missiles, giving it a significant edge in combat scenarios.

In terms of protection, the Bhishma has Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour (ERA) and extra layers of strong materials, which makes it much better at surviving today’s anti-tank weapons. The addition of French Thales-made Catherine-FC thermal sights makes it easier to find and hit targets, ensuring it works well both during the day and at night.

Ongoing Upgrades and Future Prospects

The Bhishma tank has undergone continuous upgrades to maintain its relevance on the modern battlefield. In 2021, the Indian Army initiated efforts to equip the tanks with locally developed modular Active Protection Systems (APS), incorporating both soft-kill and hard-kill countermeasures.

These upgrades reflect India’s commitment to reducing reliance on foreign technology while extending the operational lifespan and combat effectiveness of its armoured fleet.

The Bhishma’s operational history, including its deployment in exercises and real-world scenarios such as the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has given us invaluable advice for further development.

As India continues to modernise its military, the T90S Bhishma will remain a symbol of the nation’s growing reliance on defence manufacturing and its ability to blend international collaboration with indigenous innovation.

Conclusion

The potential integration of the Israeli Trophy APS into India’s T-90S Bhishma and Zorawar light tanks represents a significant step forward in the modernisation of India’s armoured forces. This collaboration enhances India’s combat readiness and positions the country as a key player in the global market for active protection systems. However, challenges such as cost, logistics, and the need for localised production will have an immediate impact on the final terms of the agreement.

As India continues to navigate a complex geopolitical environment, the T90S Bhishma and its future iterations will remain central to the nation’s defence strategy, showcasing a blend of international cooperation and homegrown technological advancements.

References

1. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems – Trophy APS
2. Larsen & Toubro – Defence Solutions
3. Indian Ministry of Defence – Modernisation Plans
4. Jane’s Defence Weekly – T-90S Bhishma Upgrades