The Indian Army’s move to convert ageing T-72 tanks into unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) is not just a retirement plan for an old platform, but a major shift toward Network-Centric Warfare and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). Instead of discarding large numbers of 2,400 legacy T-72 tanks until newer systems arrive, the Indian Army is looking at a kit-based approach that can transform existing T-72 chassis into remotely operated or semi-autonomous combat vehicles for high-risk missions.
What makes this effort especially notable is that it is linked to the ADITI framework backed by iDEX, giving the programme a clear institutional and innovation-policy foundation. That matters because this is not about designing a new tank from scratch. The real goal is to build an autonomous conversion kit that can be integrated onto existing platforms, creating an optionally manned or fully unmanned tracked combat system at a fraction of the cost of a new armored vehicle.
Legacy Tank vs Autonomous T-72
| Feature | Legacy T-72 (Manned) | Autonomous T-72 (UGV) |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 3 personnel | 0 or remote crew |
| Control Link | Internal manual controls | IP-based command and control |
| Main Role | Frontline combat | Breach, decoy, recon, MUM-T |
| Risk Profile | High human risk | Lower human risk |
Why Now: Lessons From Modern Conflict
Modern battlefields have changed the way armies think about armor. The war in Ukraine has shown that even heavily protected tanks are vulnerable when they operate without unmanned support, especially against FPV drones, loitering munitions, and anti-tank guided missiles. In that environment, sending a crewed tank into the first line of contact can be far riskier than before.
Cost-Effective Survivability
This is where the unmanned T-72 concept makes strategic sense. Converting an existing tank is far cheaper than buying an all-new Future Ready Combat Vehicle. More importantly, it allows the Army to use older armored platforms as expendable assets in dangerous sectors while preserving human crews for decisive engagements.
The MUM-T Advantage
Rather than functioning in isolation, these autonomous T-72s are likely to operate as loyal wingmen for manned platforms such as the T-90 and, in the future, the FRCV. In a MUM-T environment, unmanned tanks can move ahead, scout routes, absorb first contact, or expose enemy firing positions before crewed tanks close in. That gives commanders more tactical flexibility and lowers battlefield risk.
Primary Missions for an Autonomous T-72
The strongest case for an unmanned T-72 is not traditional tank-versus-tank warfare, but dangerous support roles where survivability and expendability matter most.
Minefield Breaching and Advance Guard
An unmanned T-72 could be used to lead armored columns through mined or ambush-prone corridors, reducing the risk to engineering teams and frontline crews. This role becomes even more useful in urban fighting zones and narrow mountain approaches where visibility and reaction time are limited.
Decoy and Reconnaissance Operations
These vehicles could also act as armored decoys or “metal shields,” drawing enemy fire and revealing hidden anti-tank teams, drone operators, or defensive gun positions. In that role, the platform becomes a battlefield sensor and bait system rather than just a weapon carrier.
CBRN and High-Threat Missions
Another clear application is reconnaissance in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments where sending human crews would be extremely dangerous. A converted T-72 offers protection, mobility, and payload capacity for sensors while removing the crew from immediate exposure.
What This Means for the Indian Army
The unmanned T-72 project shows how the Army is trying to extend the value of a legacy platform instead of simply phasing it out. By adding a modular autonomous kit, India can potentially keep these tanks relevant for another phase of service in specialist combat roles. That makes the programme both practical and forward-looking, especially as the Army prepares for a future where manned and unmanned systems will fight together.
