Today Indian Ministry of Defence cleared ₹6,000 crore proposal to procure 118 Arjun Mark-1A main battle tanks for the Indian Army. To be clear, the Arjun Mk.2 is now the Arjun Mk.1A, mutually designated since all requirements on the erstwhile Mk.2 weren’t required.
The Arjun is a third-generation main battle tank developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, for the Indian Army. The tank is named after Arjun, the archer prince who is the main protagonist of the Indian epic Mahabharata.
A 68 tonne improved variant of Arjun Mark 1, specifically requested by the Indian Army for better firepower, protection, improved weight distribution and mobility.
Some of the major upgrades are Remote controlled weapon station (RCWS), improved Gunner’s Main Sight (GMS) integrated with Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) which are all connected to a computerized fire control system enhancing the first round kill capability that guarantees accurate engagement even under adverse conditions,
panoramic sight (CPS Mark II) integrated uncooled thermal imager and night vision camera with binocular sights, laser rangefinder for an advanced hunter-killer capability, Track Width Mine Plough (TWMP), Containerized Ammunition Bin with Individual Shutter (CABIS), Laser Warning and Countermeasure System (LWCMS), anti-infrared / anti-Thermal Imaging paints, advanced land navigation system, more powerful 8.5 kW capacity Auxiliary power unit (APU) and an enhanced communication system capable of real-time data transmission.
The hull and turret of Arjun Mk.1A have been modified to give a lower silhouette making detection more difficult, while it also supports the newly developed Thermo-Baric (TB) and Penetration-cum-Blast (PCB) ammunition. DRDO developed cannon launched a guided missile that will replace the LAHAT will be integrated with Arjun Mk.1A after they start rolling out from the production line.
To improve mobility due to an additional increase in weight, an Advanced Running Gear System (ARGS) has been developed and the hydropneumatic suspension system is completely redesigned to enhance agility. The number of foreign-made imported components are also reduced from 63 to 54 per cent.
Image credits : Twitter
