According to official sources, the two T-90 tanks developed mechanical problems and were disqualified from the competition.

In a setback to the Indian Army’s tank fleet, the team which was competing in the global tank competition in Russia has crashed out of race after the T-90 tanks broke down due to a technical snag.

The Indian team was among the top in an earlier round of the competition and was expected to take the lead in the later rounds. According to official sources, the two T-90 tanks developed mechanical problems and were disqualified from the competition.

India is competing with 18 other countries, including China, in the ‘Tank Biathlon’ which began on July 29. These tank games have been held annually since 2013 as part of the International Army Games in the Alabino Ranges in Russia. The International Army Games involve 28 events held across Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China.

India joined the games three years ago but this has been the first time it had taken its own tanks for the competition. In the past, Russia had provided its tanks for the Indian team.

India was among the 12 teams that made it to the semi-final in the three-stage games. Belarus, China, Kazakhstan and Russia will now compete in the final stage. “The competition involves firing on tanks on the move by conventional machine guns and anti-tank projectiles at a range of two kilometres, while negotiating rugged obstacles,” an Army source said.

(With inputs from PTI)