Chennai, Aug 24 - The first batch of 10 locally built Russian T-90 tanks named Bhishma rolled out of the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Avadi here Monday.

Till date the Russian tanks were imported in semi- and fully knocked down condition and assembled here.

Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju described the indigenous production of the tanks as a major milestone.

The production in India began after New Delhi and Moscow sorted out their differences on transfer of technology.

According to HVF officials, around 100 tanks will roll out each year. Each tank will cost around Rs.14 crore.

The Bhishma tanks sport advanced features like the ability to fire guided missiles through the same barrel that fires conventional ammunition. The Indian Army has around of 700 these tanks.