Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT)

[Aniruddha Mulay]

Does the 120 mm arjun round shown here exclude cartridge? Because, the 125 mm apfsds displayed here excludes it, and the cartridge is displayed separately..

Looks like it.

 

[patriots]

Tender issued to

supply of cvrde spares for apu of arjun mbt . spares for apu of arjun mbt
......

 

[WolfPack86]

Will Atmanirbhar Bharat revive the fortunes of the Indian Army’s Main Battle Tank Arjun

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently released its Import Embargo list as part of its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Efforts are on to ensure that the Indian Armed Forces cut down their dependency on imported platforms, and help use the platforms manufactured locally. The changing dynamics of Mountain warfare, more specifically in respect of India China Line of Control kind of terrain with a heady mix of mountains and open hard track terrain, “requires a rethink on our operational philosophy for deployment of mechanised forces with tailor-made equipment to suit our requirements” says an Indian Army veteran. The debate on indigenous production in the defence sector to cut down import dependency has been going on. There has been some positive outcomes including the classical case of Main Battle Tank `Arjun’. When did MBT `Arjun’ project start? It was in 1996 that the Indian government decided to mass-produce the tank at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai. Order for 124 Arjun tanks (MK I) was placed in the year 2000. India thus joined the select group of 10 countries worldwide that have designed and developed their own Main Battle Tank. The other countries that have designed and developed their own MBT are the UK, France, Germany, USA, Israel, South Korea, Russia, Japan and China In spite of a proven, indigenous MBT and DRDO having created capabilities within the country for the fabrication of Hull and Turret for accelerated deliveries, the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2019 approved the procurement of 464 Russian made T-90MS main battle tanks in a Rs 13,400 Cr deal. Interestingly, as per the result of the comparative trials held between the Arjun MK I and T 90 tank in 2010, the Arjun outperformed the T 90 on several parameters including accuracy and consistency of firepower, mobility and agility. The Arjun also boasts of a superior power to weight ratio, which is necessary for combat on the move. CAG Report in December 2014 observed that the benchmark fixed by the Army for the evaluation of the T-90 tank was more relaxed vis-à-vis MBT Arjun on the multiple parameters including scientific stress technique, Check of lubricants/oils, System reliability, Laser range finder, the firing of armour piercing ammunition ad medium fording amongst others. In the last few years, based on Army’s requirements, Arjun MK I has undergone 89 improvements. This has transformed Arjun into a highly advanced platform, comparable to the most technologically advanced MBTs globally which includes the likes of Merkava from Israel, M1 A2 Abrams from the USA, and Challenger from Great Britain amongst others. Upgraded Arjun MK I A was successfully demonstrated to the Army in December 2019. The pertinent question, therefore, is if Arjun could prove its superiority over the T-90 on some critical aspects then certainly, the Arjun MK I A, with significant technological advancements, will be far better positioned for both offensive and defensive tasks. Arjun Vs T-90 According to a senior T-90 has had its own share of challenges. In a tank biathlon held in Russia in August 2017 where tank crews from 19 countries competed in simulated battlefield conditions to determine which is the best, Indian Army was knocked out after both the main and reserve T-90 tanks developed mechanical problems. T-90 tanks also suffer from night blindness as its night vision system does not work in high temperatures of the desert regions. Electronic systems of the tank also have failed consistently l in the desert heat. By comparison, Arjun has a much advanced night fighting capability, has not faced any troubles in high temperatures and does not even require any air conditioning due to its rugged systems suited for desert conditions. “Arjun MBT presents a great potential to further the “Make in India” and self-reliance vision of the Government. Arjun MBT line has been lying idle since 2010-11 when the last Arjun MK-Is rolled out. Will the renewed emphasis on cutting down imports will bring a fresh lease of life to Arjun, like LCA Mk 1A and Basic Jet Trainer programs is yet to be seen,” observed the senior officer quoted above. Expert View Sharing his view with Financial Express Online, Brig NK Bhatia (retd) says, “With Chinese PLA having modernised at a rapid pace with the creation of mechanised formations in its Western Theatre Command, necessitate a matching capability enhancement in respect of our own mechanised formations.” Currently Indian Army’s armoured formations are equipped with Russian built T-72 and T-90 MBTs with a limited number of indigenously produced Arjun tanks. These are essentially medium/heavy tanks that are more suited to the plains of Western India. According to him, “The requirement of a tank for mountains would essentially encompass agility, mobility and manoeuvrability to facilitate rapid deployment. Mechanised/armour units would primarily be required to act as anti-armour platforms to counter enemy’s armour thrusts through the gaps in the mountainous terrain.” “This needs a relook in our deployment philosophy of placing medium tanks in the mountains due to the inherent problem in their deployment and connected issues relating to mobility and logistics. Another factor that weighs in heavily against the deployment of current series of tanks in the mountains is their vintage and issues connected with their serviceability in mountains,” Brig Bhatia opines. “The need for a new tank exclusively for mountains with modern platforms incorporated in it, in the backdrop of current Indo China stand-off, is not only justified but timely. Any decision with respect to fresh acquisition of a modern tank will need introspection to suit their deployment specific to our requirements. The decision need not be rushed through as any new acquisition will take considerable time to train and deploy with setting up of matching logistic facilities,” he concludes.

Will Atmanirbhar Bharat revive the fortunes of the Indian Army’s Main Battle Tank Arjun

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently released its Import Embargo list as part of its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Efforts are on to ensure that the Indian Armed Forces cut down their dependency on imported platforms, and help use the platforms manufactured locally. The changing dynamics...

www.defencenews.in

 

[Flying Dagger]

Will Atmanirbhar Bharat revive the fortunes of the Indian Army’s Main Battle Tank Arjun

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently released its Import Embargo list as part of its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Efforts are on to ensure that the Indian Armed Forces cut down their dependency on imported platforms, and help use the platforms manufactured locally. The changing dynamics of Mountain warfare, more specifically in respect of India China Line of Control kind of terrain with a heady mix of mountains and open hard track terrain, “requires a rethink on our operational philosophy for deployment of mechanised forces with tailor-made equipment to suit our requirements” says an Indian Army veteran. The debate on indigenous production in the defence sector to cut down import dependency has been going on. There has been some positive outcomes including the classical case of Main Battle Tank `Arjun’. When did MBT `Arjun’ project start? It was in 1996 that the Indian government decided to mass-produce the tank at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai. Order for 124 Arjun tanks (MK I) was placed in the year 2000. India thus joined the select group of 10 countries worldwide that have designed and developed their own Main Battle Tank. The other countries that have designed and developed their own MBT are the UK, France, Germany, USA, Israel, South Korea, Russia, Japan and China In spite of a proven, indigenous MBT and DRDO having created capabilities within the country for the fabrication of Hull and Turret for accelerated deliveries, the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2019 approved the procurement of 464 Russian made T-90MS main battle tanks in a Rs 13,400 Cr deal. Interestingly, as per the result of the comparative trials held between the Arjun MK I and T 90 tank in 2010, the Arjun outperformed the T 90 on several parameters including accuracy and consistency of firepower, mobility and agility. The Arjun also boasts of a superior power to weight ratio, which is necessary for combat on the move. CAG Report in December 2014 observed that the benchmark fixed by the Army for the evaluation of the T-90 tank was more relaxed vis-à-vis MBT Arjun on the multiple parameters including scientific stress technique, Check of lubricants/oils, System reliability, Laser range finder, the firing of armour piercing ammunition ad medium fording amongst others. In the last few years, based on Army’s requirements, Arjun MK I has undergone 89 improvements. This has transformed Arjun into a highly advanced platform, comparable to the most technologically advanced MBTs globally which includes the likes of Merkava from Israel, M1 A2 Abrams from the USA, and Challenger from Great Britain amongst others. Upgraded Arjun MK I A was successfully demonstrated to the Army in December 2019. The pertinent question, therefore, is if Arjun could prove its superiority over the T-90 on some critical aspects then certainly, the Arjun MK I A, with significant technological advancements, will be far better positioned for both offensive and defensive tasks. Arjun Vs T-90 According to a senior T-90 has had its own share of challenges. In a tank biathlon held in Russia in August 2017 where tank crews from 19 countries competed in simulated battlefield conditions to determine which is the best, Indian Army was knocked out after both the main and reserve T-90 tanks developed mechanical problems. T-90 tanks also suffer from night blindness as its night vision system does not work in high temperatures of the desert regions. Electronic systems of the tank also have failed consistently l in the desert heat. By comparison, Arjun has a much advanced night fighting capability, has not faced any troubles in high temperatures and does not even require any air conditioning due to its rugged systems suited for desert conditions. “Arjun MBT presents a great potential to further the “Make in India” and self-reliance vision of the Government. Arjun MBT line has been lying idle since 2010-11 when the last Arjun MK-Is rolled out. Will the renewed emphasis on cutting down imports will bring a fresh lease of life to Arjun, like LCA Mk 1A and Basic Jet Trainer programs is yet to be seen,” observed the senior officer quoted above. Expert View Sharing his view with Financial Express Online, Brig NK Bhatia (retd) says, “With Chinese PLA having modernised at a rapid pace with the creation of mechanised formations in its Western Theatre Command, necessitate a matching capability enhancement in respect of our own mechanised formations.” Currently Indian Army’s armoured formations are equipped with Russian built T-72 and T-90 MBTs with a limited number of indigenously produced Arjun tanks. These are essentially medium/heavy tanks that are more suited to the plains of Western India. According to him, “The requirement of a tank for mountains would essentially encompass agility, mobility and manoeuvrability to facilitate rapid deployment. Mechanised/armour units would primarily be required to act as anti-armour platforms to counter enemy’s armour thrusts through the gaps in the mountainous terrain.” “This needs a relook in our deployment philosophy of placing medium tanks in the mountains due to the inherent problem in their deployment and connected issues relating to mobility and logistics. Another factor that weighs in heavily against the deployment of current series of tanks in the mountains is their vintage and issues connected with their serviceability in mountains,” Brig Bhatia opines. “The need for a new tank exclusively for mountains with modern platforms incorporated in it, in the backdrop of current Indo China stand-off, is not only justified but timely. Any decision with respect to fresh acquisition of a modern tank will need introspection to suit their deployment specific to our requirements. The decision need not be rushed through as any new acquisition will take considerable time to train and deploy with setting up of matching logistic facilities,” he concludes.

Will Atmanirbhar Bharat revive the fortunes of the Indian Army’s Main Battle Tank Arjun

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently released its Import Embargo list as part of its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Efforts are on to ensure that the Indian Armed Forces cut down their dependency on imported platforms, and help use the platforms manufactured locally. The changing dynamics...

www.defencenews.in

The order for T-90 MS was political but still a good one since we are fielding the outdated T-90s which needs upgrade to stand in line of modern MBT's . But we should use the 1500 hp engine meant for Arjun on this since they will weigh around 50-55 tonnes



1000 hp engine class suits T-72 upgrade though if 1500 hp engine can fit the dimension of existing one.

we will be able to use them in mountain region as light tank pretty effectively instead of going for a 35 T class new type.



Arjun really needs to come around 55 Ton weight class as FMBT or a new clean sheet design 45 Ton and 55 Ton ( heavy armoured version ) MBT should be the way forward. There is no point in maintaining 200-300 of these machines.

 

[Bleh]

The order for T-90 MS was political but still a good one since we are fielding the outdated T-90s which needs upgrade to stand in line of modern MBT's .

There neither is, nor was any MS outside speculations... India's follow-on order for 464 new tasks are same old T-90S. Not even any with some tech updates, let alone its platform modifications.

See old posts in T-90 thread.

 

[JBH22]

There neither is, nor was any MS outside speculations... India's follow-on order for 464 new tasks are same old T-90S. Not even any with some tech updates, let alone its platform modifications.

See old posts in T-90 thread.

Same was confirmed in one of the episode of security scan on RSTV. The same old tank manufactured since 2004 by PSU.
As usual no upgrade or improvement in production

 

[Flying Dagger]

There neither is, nor was any MS outside speculations... India's follow-on order for 464 new tasks are same old T-90S. Not even any with some tech updates, let alone its platform modifications.

See old posts in T-90 thread.

Damn.. I didn't followed on its a joke and those are meant for Indo china border? Looks like OFB wins again and IA went down.


Wish we had a Functional RM not this ninda singh.

 

[fire starter]

There neither is, nor was any MS outside speculations... India's follow-on order for 464 new tasks are same old T-90S. Not even any with some tech updates, let alone its platform modifications.

See old posts in T-90 thread.

And we gave billions of dollars in TOT for 20 yr old tech.

 

[Flying Dagger]

And we gave billions of dollars in TOT for 20 yr old tech.

Not much of TOT considering we have bought almost 2000+ including the new purchase.

@Bleh Do you have details on how much we are able to localise it. 1000 hp engines are being manufactured here right ?

The dev of 1500 hp engine was also going on .. can it fit on T-72 or T-90 ?

I hope atleast we go for an upgrade program of T-72 /T-90s that may turnout better than going for T-90 MS.

 

[fire starter]

Not much of TOT considering we have bought almost 2000+ including the new purchase.

@Bleh Do you have details on how much we are able to localise it. 1000 hp engines are being manufactured here right ?

The dev of 1500 hp engine was also going on .. can it fit on T-72 or T-90 ?

I hope atleast we go for an upgrade program of T-72 /T-90s that may turnout better than going for T-90 MS.

local content is already above 90%. Only upgraded T72 will have 1000hp engine .

Except gun and auto loader we can bring T90s to the level of MS.

 

[Bleh]

Same was confirmed in one of the episode of security scan on RSTV. The same old tank manufactured since 2004 by PSU.
As usual no upgrade or improvement in production

Not much of TOT considering we have bought almost 2000+ including the new purchase.

@Bleh Do you have details on how much we are able to localise it. 1000 hp engines are being manufactured here right ?

The dev of 1500 hp engine was also going on .. can it fit on T-72 or T-90 ?

I hope atleast we go for an upgrade program of T-72 /T-90s that may turnout better than going for T-90 MS.

Almost 100% localised... The money given to their daddy is royalty fees.

However the engines may get uprated 1200hp ones. Planned atleast, nobody knows what or if it'll actually happen... We haven't yet been able to install the LEDS-150 active protection system, cleared in 2010.
No meaningful upgrades has been done in last 2 decades despite loads of tech having been developed for Arjun that could have been carried over to the existing fleet.

Except gun and auto loader we can bring T90s to the level of MS.

*snort* not even minimal changes like adding a turret bustle & relocatinv the extra ammo from floor can be and/or has been attempted.

 

[Flying Dagger]

Can you give a little detail on cost break up and what we have localise here.

We can do a lot of things but will we?
There are talks of another immediate light tank purchase.. when T-72 or old T-55 can do the same job with an engine upgrade for now.

local content is already above 90%. Only upgraded T72 will have 1000hp engine .

Except gun and auto loader we can bring T90s to the level of MS.

 

[johnq]

They should make as many Arjun tanks as possible, because as they are added to the western front, it frees up more T-72s and T-90s for the eastern front.

 

[Bleh]

We can do a lot of things but will we?

OFB & UralVagonZavod together are expected to manufacture 120 T-90S tanks per year and complete this order before 2025... They can't churn out at that rate if there are new changes incorporated.

 

[fire starter]

OFB & UralVagonZavod together are expected to manufacture 120 T-90S tanks per year and complete this order before 2025... They can't churn out at that rate if there are new changes incorporated.

I heard that they have capacity to churn out 500 tanks a year.

 

[Flying Dagger]

Almost 100% localised... The money given to their daddy is royalty fees.

However the engines may get uprated 1200hp ones. Planned atleast, nobody knows what or if it'll actually happen... We haven't yet been able to install the LEDS-150 active protection system, cleared in 2010.
No meaningful upgrades has been done in last 2 decades despite loads of tech having been developed for Arjun that could have been carried over to the existing fleet.



*snort* not even minimal changes like adding a turret bustle & relocatinv the extra ammo from floor can be and/or has been attempted.

1200 hp?

That's the upgrade program of present T-90 engine by EFA right or you are referring to new engine ?

T-72 will get the 1000 hp engine used in T-90s by EFA .

Though in future we can use the 1500 hp engine project on T-90s since it will be 55 ton class after the upgrade like MS and will need more power. Upgrade of current engines is a good way forward too.

 

[Flying Dagger]

Arjun is pretty much dead . If based on this DRDO can come out with a 50-55 ton class around FMBT with 1500 hp engine that should be the way forward.

 

[Bleh]

1200 hp?

That's the upgrade program of present T-90 engine by EFA right or you are referring to new engine ?

See that pdf in the link... I too don't know anything concrete.

Arjun is pretty much dead . If based on this DRDO can come out with a 50-55 ton class around FMBT with 1500 hp engine that should be the way forward.

Absolutely. The 118 Mark1A order is never gonna come.

Is fine to move on.

 

[fire starter]

See that pdf in the link... I too don't know anything concrete.



Absolutely. The 118 Mark1A order is never gonna come.

Is fine to move on.

There is no striking difference between mk1 and mk1a specially in design.

 

[Bleh]

There is no striking difference between mk1 and mk1a specially in design.

Nonetheless, no more Arjuns are going to be ordered over the existing 124... And frankly, nor should they be.

At this point we can build 100 mothafuging T-90s each year, and other than Rusky daddy's royalty money, 100% homebuilt. Compared to that, Arjun still has 50% imported content including an outdated fuel-guzzling powerpack. It made sense to get them in 2005-10... not anymore. Now only progress in tech made during its journey remains.

The way forward is 50t tanks based on T-90 and/or K-9 chasis with protection traded off for high mobility.