The Russian state corporation Rostec, through its subsidiary Rosoboronexport, has launched the production of 3VBM17 Mango ammunition, equipped with armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles, in India. These munitions, designed to target armored vehicles with advanced protection, are part of the Make In India program. This announcement was made by Rostec on July 4, 2024.
The 125mm Mango rounds are compatible with T-72 and T-90 tanks, which are essential for the Indian Ground Forces. These Russian tanks are indeed present in large numbers in the Indian
“Rostec has extensive experience in forming industrial partnerships with allied nations. Our projects frequently involve technology transfer and sharing of expertise, enabling the importing country to develop its own production capabilities. This is a competitive edge for Rostec, a leading supplier of defense solutions. We have executed numerous such projects in collaboration with India, including the licensed production of T-90 tanks and Mango ammunition with armor-piercing projectiles. Plans include establishing gunpowder production in India to maximize the localization of Mango shells,” stated Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec State Corporation.
The Mango rounds incorporate the fin-stabilized armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile 3BM42, capable of penetrating modern tanks equipped with composite armor.
The 3VBM17 ammunition, also known as 3BM42 or “Mango,” is an APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) projectile that entered service in 1986. Designed to penetrate non-explosive reactive armor (NERA) like Chobham armor, this projectile features a double tungsten alloy core, sheathed in a low melting point alloy and covered with steel, aiming to enhance its penetration capabilities.