Pune: Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mk II, a third generation multidisciplinary armoured fighting vehicle developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is ready for induction into the Indian Army and two regiments have already agreed for it.
The information was shared by DRDO Chairman Dr S Christopher with media persons, on the sidelines of a programme at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Khadakwasla, on Sunday.
The Army and DRDO had been engaged in tussle over induction of the indigenous Arjun Mk II tanks. Unhappy at being saddled with 122 Arjun Mark-I tanks, the force has refused to order its Mark-II variant till the prototypes perform satisfactorily.
After opposition from Army, DRDO developed Arjun Mk-II with 73 tank related improvements (including 18 major improvements), over MBT Mk-I. The major upgrades are missile-firing capability against long-range targets, panoramic sight with night vision to engage targets effectively at night, containerisation of ammunition, enhanced main weapon penetration; additional ammunition types, explosive reactive armour, an advanced air-defence gun to engage helicopters; a mine plough, an advanced land navigation system and a warning system which can fire smoke grenades to confuse laser guidance.
According to Army officials, the DRDO must redesign the hull, the turret structures and use newer material to reduce the tank’s weight. The Arjun Mk-II currently weighs about 68.6 tonnes, compared to the 62-tonne Arjun Mk-1 tank currently in operation with the Army. The Mk-II version’s weight makes it inappropriate for operations in the semi-developed sector of the western front bordering Pakistan. The heavy load also makes it difficult to transport the tank from one sector to other.
Talking about the development, DRDO chief added, “We have done it. But we were stuck for one of the suggestion about missile system to be launched from same Arjun tank, which earlier we got from Israel but later took a call that we might do it ourselves.
“This afternoon (Sunday) I had a discussion with my Pune-based laboratories and they are almost there. So in our opinion we would say it is ready for induction and it will go through the trials. And there is a possibility that it will get accepted. Two regiments have already agreed.”
