Origins of Armour Day: From Horses to Horsepower

The shift on May 1, 1938, from horse-mounted warriors to tank-operating soldiers was not just a technological upgrade—it was a doctrinal revolution. The Scinde Horse, with a history dating back to 1839, led this transition, forever changing the Indian Army’s combat landscape.

Legacy and Composition of the Corps

The Armoured Corps, often described as the “fist of the Indian Army,” has grown to encompass 67 armoured regiments, including:

• The President’s Bodyguard – the oldest and most elite armoured regiment.
• Iconic units like Poona Horse, 17 Horse, 9 Hodson's Horse, and 4 Horse, which earned gallantry and battle honours across theatres from 1965 to the Kargil War.

The Corps has played decisive roles in all major wars:

• 1965 Indo-Pak War: Legendary tank battles at Asal Uttar and Phillora, where Lt. Col. A.B. Tarapore of Poona Horse was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
• 1971 War: The thrust into Shakargarh and the western desert using T-55 and Centurion tanks.
• Kargil Conflict (1999): Deployment of armoured units in high-altitude cold deserts of Ladakh, proving adaptability and endurance.

Current Capability and Modernization

As of 2025, the Indian Armoured Corps is equipped with a mix of state-of-the-art and legacy platforms, including:

• T-90 Bhishma: The mainstay of India’s strike corps, known for its firepower and mobility.
• T-72 Ajeya: Deployed in both plains and high-altitude areas, though undergoing phased de-induction.
• Arjun MBT Mk-1A: Indigenous third-generation tank developed by DRDO, equipped with superior KANCHAN composite armour and advanced fire-control systems.

Numbers (2025 Estimates):

• Over 3,700 tanks in service.
• 1,200+ T-90s; 2,000+ T-72s; ~150 Arjun MBTs.
• Plans underway to induct FRCV (Future Ready Combat Vehicle) by 2030.

Training and Doctrine: Shaping Future Tank Warriors

The Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, is the heart of training and doctrinal development. It trains over 5,000 personnel annually, including crew commanders, gunnery instructors, and foreign trainees from friendly nations.

ACC&S Innovations:

• Use of advanced tank simulators.
• Tactical drills with UAV countermeasures.
• Integration of drone surveillance and AI-based targeting tools.

Commemorations and Ceremonies

Across India, Armour Day 2025 is being celebrated with wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials, regimental functions, and parades showcasing vintage and modern tanks.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, extended greetings, stating:

“The Armoured Corps continues to be the steel punch of the Indian Army. On the 87th Armour Day, I salute the valour, professionalism, and technological acumen of all ranks—past and present—who have defended our nation’s honour with unmatched courage.”

Relevance in Modern Warfare

With evolving threats like anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), loitering munitions, and unmanned aerial systems, the Corps is upgrading both platforms and protective systems. Indigenous efforts are underway to develop:

• Active Protection Systems (APS) for tanks.
• Hybrid-electric propulsion for future tanks.
• Integration with network-centric warfare capabilities.

Conclusion: A Day to Salute Steel, Honour Blood

As the Indian Army observes the 87th Armour Day, it is not only honouring a rich martial heritage but also reaffirming its commitment to remain a cutting-edge, technology-driven, and operationally ready force. The Armoured Corps stands as a symbol of India’s ability to strike hard, strike fast, and strike deep—anywhere, anytime.