The Indian Army is reportedly planning to equip its fleet of T-90 main battle tanks with a third-generation missile system.

The new third-generation missile system is intended to replace the INVAR missile system currently fitted on T-90 tanks and improve strike capability, reported the Press Trust of India (PTI) citing army sources.

A statement from an army document related to the project was quoted by PTI as saying: "As the design of the existing INVAR missile has been maximised, both in terms of range and depth of penetration (DoP), it is imperative to upgrade it to next-generation missiles with enhanced capability."

With a DoP of 800mm-850mm, the new missile system is expected to have the ability to engage mobile and static targets at ranges up to 8km.

"The new missile system is expected to have the ability to engage mobile and static targets at ranges up to 8km."

When fired from the 125mm gun barrels of T-90 tanks, the missiles can hit targets by taking a pre-flight programmed manoeuvre.

Additionally, the army is working on the installation of a new engine with a variable power output of 1,200hp-1,500hp for the T-90 tanks.

Last month, the army was authorised to directly procure critical ammunition and spare major military platforms to maintain combat readiness for short-lived ‘intense wars’, according to the news agency.

The Vice Chief of Army now has complete financial powers to procure ammunition and spares for ten types of weapons systems and equipment.