Arjun Mark 1A

Subject: Security

Context: On the eve of 2 years of Pulwama attack the PM dedicated the “Main Battle Tank Arjun Mark 1A” to the nation.

Concept:

It is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by CVRDE and DRDO along with 15 academic institutions, eight labs and several MSMEs.
The biggest achievement with the latest version is 54.3 per cent indeginous content against the 41 per cent in the earlier model.
The Mk-1A version has 14 major upgrades on the earlier version. It is also supposed to have missile firing capability as per the design, but this feature will be added later as final testing of the capability is still on.

About the Arjun Main Battle Tank:

It was initiated by DRDO in 1972 with the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) as its lead laboratory.
It is a state-of-the-art tank with superior fire power, high mobility, and excellent protection.
The CVRDE achieved breakthroughs in the engine, transmission, hydropneumatic suspension, hull and turret as well as the gun control system.
Mass production began in 1996 at the Indian Ordnance Factory’s production facility in Avadi, Tamil Nadu.

Features:

It stands out for Fin StabilisedArmour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)’ ammunition and 120-mm calibre rifled gun.
It has computer-controlled integrated fire control system with stabilised sighting that works in all lighting conditions.
It also has two secondary weapons (machine gun) attached to it.