Arjun Mk-1A tanks

Arjun Mk-1A tanks

Subject – Security

Context – ₹7,523­cr. order for Arjun Mk­1A tanks

Concept –

• The Defence Ministry on Thursday placed an order with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, for the supply of 118 indigenous Arjun Mk-1A main battle tanks for the Army at a cost of ₹7,523 crore.
• The state-of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability. Infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant, the tank would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.
• The MBT Arjun Mk-1A was designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), along with the other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The development of indigenous Main Battle Tank Arjun was started by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the late 1980s primarily to augment the predominantly Russian-made armoured fleet.
• The Army has two regiments of Arjun Mk1 tanks in service inducted between 2005 and 2010.
• The Arjun Mk-1A has 14 major upgrades over the Mk1 variant, which were formulated and approved in October 2018.
• The Mk1A will be without missile firing capability and will be incorporated as and when the development is complete.
• An Arjun hub has been set up in Jaisalmer where 248 rotables have been deposited to ensure quick support and maintenance for the fleet.