Bhishma Mk-III/Mk.3 - In the clash, it will smash

Surbaissemaxxing · January 19, 2025, 5:08pm

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G’day lads. I want to suggest India’s most modern MBT (as of now) for War Thunder, which would be the upgraded T-90 Bhishma Mk-III (or Mk.3, not that important) :)

Description:

Spoiler

The T-90 Bhishma Mk.3 is an advanced main battle tank developed by India featuring several enhancements over its predecessors. It is powered by a V12 diesel engine generating 1,130 horsepower, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h and an operational range of 550 km. The tank is equipped with a 125 mm 2A46M-5 main gun with an automatic loader, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and an optional remotely controlled 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. It can carry 42 rounds of 125 mm ammunition and 3,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition along with 12 smoke grenade launchers for concealment. It features an advanced thermal sighting system developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited capable of detecting targets up to 8 km away day or night. The tank also includes a laser rangefinder with a range of up to 5 km. The tank is equipped with a digital ballistic computer for enhanced accuracy under varying environmental conditions and an automatic target tracking system for faster and more precise target acquisition. The T-90 Bhishma Mk.3 utilizes Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor (ERA) for defense against projectiles and anti-tank missiles and the (PROPOSED) Saab LEDS-150 active protection system (APS) to enhance survivability against modern threats. It also features protective systems against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Approximately 83% of its components are locally sourced, including a fully indigenous engine.

History:

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The T-90 tank, developed by Uralvagonzavod in Russia, traces its origins back to the T-72 series. The first prototype was completed in 1989, and it entered service with the Russian Army in 1992.

India showed a keen interest in the T-90 tank as it sought to upgrade its armored capabilities. The Indian Army’s search for a modern main battle tank led to the purchase of the T-90S variant from Russia. In 2001, India signed a contract to acquire 310 T-90S tanks. The Indian variant, known as the T-90 Bhishma, was customized to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army, including the integration of French thermal imaging systems and upgraded air conditioning to handle India’s diverse climatic conditions.

The initial batch of T-90 Bhishma tanks was imported from Russia, but subsequent orders included licensed production of the tanks in India. The Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, began domestic production of the T-90S tanks, allowing India to gradually increase its inventory and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

The first batch of 10 Bhishma MK-III tanks was delivered in June 2024, with the remaining 454 tanks scheduled for delivery in phases over the next five years. It was first planned to just buy T-90MS’s from Russia, which they placed orders for, however cannot be bought for now. So as an alternative, the Mk-III had to make do.

Armaments:

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2A46M-5 125mm cannon, capable of firing the same former 125mm shells that older Bhishma variants could fire, but also possibly being capable of firing Israeli CL 3254M, the Indian designation being AMK 340A P2 or the Israeli M711 (Mk.1)/M711/8 (Mk.2) APFSDS shells. Also should be capable of firing the indigenous 125mm FSAPDS Mk-II shell, which has 15% better performance than the 3BM42 shell. It still has the capability to fire Svir and Refleks gun launched ATGM’s, and is planned to serve the 125mm version of the SAMHO ATGM.

It can also allegedly use 3BM60, as it might have a newer autoloader according to sources

1 coaxial 7.62mm machine gun

1 optional remote controlled 7.62mm machine gun

Advanced thermal sights with 8km detection range

LRF with 5km range

Proposed LEDS-150 hardkill APS

Specifications:

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The Bhishma measures 9.63 meters in length, 3.78 meters in width, and 2.22 meters in height, accommodating a crew of three. The tank weighs 50.7 tons, so because of it’s more heavier weight it is powered by a V12 diesel engine that generates 1,130 horsepower, enabling the tank to reach a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour and providing a range of 550 kilometers without additional fuel drums.