India Advances Armoured Strength: MoD Signs ₹586 Crore Contract for Tank APUs

Image © - T-72M1 ‘3243’ – Tankfest 2017

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a landmark contract worth ₹586 crore with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited for the procurement of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for the Indian Army’s frontline T-72 and T-90 tanks. The agreement was formalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.

What Are APUs and Why They Matter

The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) serves as an alternate source of electrical power for critical systems within the tank, including:

• Fire control systems
• Firing circuits
• Gun stabilisation systems
• Other essential ancillaries

By enabling tanks to operate key systems without running the main engine, APUs enhance fuel efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and improve battlefield sustainability. Their induction will significantly strengthen the operational readiness, reliability, and sustainability of India’s mechanised formations. 

Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited (AICPL)

Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited (AICPL) is a Pune‑based defence and energy solutions company, founded in 2001, known for indigenous innovation, strong R&D, and global exports. It is led by Kiran Baburao Jadhav and has earned recognition for its contributions to defence technology and industrial automation.

Founders & Leadership

• Kiran Baburao Jadhav – Managing Director & Chairman
• Madhuri Kiran Jadhav – Director
• Swanand Suresh Phand – Director
• Balasubramaniam Ramamurti – Whole‑time Director

Investors & Financials

• Private Limited Company – Primarily self‑funded with industry partnerships
• Authorised Capital: ₹32.5 crore
• Paid‑up Capital: ₹2.11 crore
• Revenue (FY 2025): ₹408.96 crore, 3% YoY growth
• Exports: ~30% of revenue from US, UK, Europe, Australia, Gulf

Accomplishments

• Defence Contributions: Developed APUs for T‑72 and T‑90 tanks
• Innovation Track Record: 3 patents filed, 18 import substitutes developed
• R&D Investment: 30% of salary bill invested in R&D over the last decade
• Awards: Best Lean‑Practicing MSME (NPC), CRISIL MSE 1 rating
• Workforce: 230+ professionals in automation, IoT, energy solutions
• Global Partnerships: Preferred supplier for defence and telecom solutions

Snapshot Table

Aspect	Details
Founded	2001
Headquarters	Pune, Maharashtra, India
Founders/Leaders	Kiran Baburao Jadhav, Madhuri Kiran Jadhav, Swanand Suresh Phand
Capital	₹32.5 Cr authorised, ₹2.11 Cr paid‑up
Revenue (FY 2025)	₹408.96 Cr
Exports	30% to US, UK, EU, Australia, Gulf
Patents	3 patents, 18 import substitutes
Awards	Best Lean‑Practicing MSME (NPC), CRISIL MSE 1 rating
Employees	230+ professionals

Indigenisation and Industry-Led Innovation

This procurement marks a milestone in indigenisation, as the APUs have been indigenously developed under the Make-II framework. The initiative highlights:

• Industry-led R&D translating innovation into production
• Strengthening of critical sub-systems for armoured platforms
• Reduced dependence on foreign suppliers

The contract demonstrates the effectiveness of India’s innovation-to-induction pipeline, ensuring that indigenous technologies are not just developed but also deployed at scale.

Strategic Alignment with National Vision

Aligned with the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the deal underscores India’s march towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence. It reflects the nation’s commitment to building a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive defence industry, while reinforcing the operational backbone of the Indian Army.

Conclusion

The ₹586 crore APU contract is more than a procurement—it is a strategic investment in India’s defence future. By combining indigenous innovation with operational necessity, the MoD has taken a significant step towards ensuring that India’s armoured forces remain battle-ready, sustainable, and technologically advanced.

This initiative not only strengthens the Indian Army’s mechanised formations but also sets a precedent for future industry-led defence collaborations, driving India closer to its vision of self-reliance and global competitiveness.