Indian Army upgrades 'Make in India' 96 T-72 tanks with night-fighting systems

The Indian Army has completed the installation of indigenously manufactured Thermal Imaging Fire Control Systems (TIFCS) on 96 of its T-72 tanks, with the systems clearing firing validation trials ahead of induction.

The T-72 remains a key component of the Army’s armoured fleet, and the upgrade is aimed at enhancing its operational effectiveness, particularly in low-visibility and night conditions where legacy optical systems face limitations. The new system incorporates thermal imaging and automatic target tracking to improve accuracy and engagement capability.

The upgrade has been carried out by Alpha-Elsec Defence & Aerospace Systems Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Israel’s Elbit Systems. The Army signed a contract in 2023 for the supply and installation of 96 TIFCS units.


Company representatives said that while similar systems were earlier supplied directly by the Israeli partner, the current batch has been manufactured in India with technical support from Elbit Systems, in line with the government’s Make-in-India push and defence indigenisation efforts.

The TIFCS enhances the T-72’s night-fighting capability by automatically integrating inputs from external sensors, performing ballistic corrections and feeding refined target data into the fire control system. Its integrated automatic target tracker enables continuous tracking of moving targets, allowing engagement in dynamic combat situations, including at night.

Firing validation trials of the indigenously produced systems were conducted by the Army during November–December 2025, following which installations were completed, the company said.

Alpha-Elsec CEO Nataraj Krishnappa said the MSME, which employs around 120 skilled professionals, has been expanding its footprint in advanced opto-electronic equipment for the armed forces. A portion of its products are also exported to its joint venture partner for onward global supply.

The company said the completion of the order has strengthened its domestic order book, with additional defence contracts in the pipeline. Beyond Army platforms, its electro-optic systems are also deployed by paramilitary forces and in select civilian applications.

(With inputs from TOI)