MoD ORDERS 118 MAIN BATTLE TANKS ARJUN Mk-1A FOR INDIAN ARMY

MoD ORDERS 118 MAIN BATTLE TANKS ARJUN Mk-1A FOR INDIAN ARMY

Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has placed a supply order for 118 Main Battle Tanks Arjun Mk-1A for Indian Army.

What’s new in the Arjun Mark-1A?

• The state-of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of the Arjun tank designed to enhance firepower, survivability and mobility.
• It was designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), with the assistance of other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It is infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant.
• These additions have resulted in better all-terrain mobility and manoeuvrability in different modes of operation, better target acquisition and precision firing, both during the day and night with a 360-degree view, and a multi-layered robust protective armour named “Kanchan’ that can withstand adversary fire. The new additions along with its robust 120 mm rifled gun justify its categorisation as the ‘hunter-killer.’
• It would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, along with precise target engagement during day and night.

Background:

• The development of the indigenous Main Battle Tank Arjun was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s to augment the predominantly Russian-made armoured fleet.
• The trials of the earliest variant started in the early 1990s and the tank was inducted in 2004.
• The work on its new variant Arjun Mark 1A began in June 2010 and the tank was fielded for trials by the Indian Army in June 2012. For the next three years, extensive trial evaluations were conducted both by the DRDO and the Army.