Indian Army will quickly have 118 indigenous Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tanks in its fleet. On Tuesday (February 23, 2021) the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh gave its approval to the Indian Army’s proposal to get 118 Arjun Mark 1-A ‘Hunter Killers’. According to sources, the Indian Army will quickly situation the Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), for 118 Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tanks. It will be at least a year ahead of the course of action is finalized and the contract is inked.
This will be the second greatest contract for the indigenously manufactured platforms for the Indian Armed Forces this year. The very first was the lately signed deal for 83 Light Combat Aircraft `Tejas’ amongst Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Ministry of Defence for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
What was announced?
The proposal worth Rs 8,380-crore for the Indian Army was offered the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by the DAC.
According to the statement which puts the 3 AoNs in the highest priority category of defence acquisition, it states, “Three AoNs for an overall cost of Rs 13,700 crore were accorded. And, these will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured.”
Though no particular platforms have been described in the official statement, according to sources, the approvals are for 118 principal battle tanks, and equipping the armoured fighting automobiles (AFVs) with contemporary protection and countermeasure systems.
The protection systems for the army’s fleet of more than 3,000 AFVs (tanks and infantry combat automobiles) is anticipated to price about Rs 5,300 crore.
The order for the MBT `Arjun’ is anticipated to be placed with the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) quickly. And when the deal is firmed up about 5 tanks are anticipated to be rolled out in 30 months and thereafter 30 tanks each and every year.
More about the 118 indigenous Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tanks
The approval was offered for Arjun Mk-1A MBT, which is an upgraded version of the Arjun Mk-1 which the Indian Army is making use of presently.
The new version of the Arjun will come with 71 upgrades, such as 14 main improvements.
These upgrades are anticipated to considerably boost not only the tank’s lethality, also its mobility and survivability.
Also, according to a senior officer, the new variant of the tank will have much better firepower sophisticated land navigation systems and enhanced evening vision capabilities.
There will also be other capabilities such as the sophisticated laser warning and countermeasure systems, and containerized ammunition bin.
The tanks are going to be manufactured at the OFB’s Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi, Chennai. This tank has been made and created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Chennai-based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE).
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Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had handed more than a prototype of the Arjun Mk-1A tank to the Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane in Chennai. This had undergone tests across the Western Sector and covered just about 6000 km as effectively as one more round of 1,500 km of intense testing.
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Once the deal is inked just about 200 firms are anticipated to be element of this massive project and about 8,000 jobs are going to be developed.
There are T-90, T-72 and the Arjun Mk-1 tanks in the Indian Army’s fleets.
This will be the final order for the MBT Arjun as the Indian Army is keen on acquiring lighter tanks.
Protection and countermeasure systems for its AFVs
These support in enhancing the survivability of AFVs and safeguard them against the threats from missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and tank ammunition.
The upgrades will support in boosting the fighting possible of the Indian Army.
Emergency procurement order placed for M4 armoured automobiles for the Indian Army
Besides the Main Battle Tank `Arjun’ Mk-1A tanks, on Tuesday (February 23, 2021) orders emergency order was placed by the Indian Army for the procurement of M4 armoured automobiles.
These automobiles as has been reported earlier have undergone intensive tests in Ladakh for the duration of the standoff with China in 2020. These automobiles are going to be bought from Pune-based private sector business Bharat Forge of the Kalyani group.
An official business statement shared with the media on Tuesday, stated clearly that it had “An order worth Rs 177.95 crore has been received from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of Kalyani M4 vehicles”.
What are these automobiles utilised for?
According to a former Indian Army officer, such wheeled armoured automobiles are essential for transporting troops and have the capability of becoming operated in higher altitudes.
The Indian Army has placed an emergency order as it desires these wheeled armoured automobiles on urgent basis for its inventory.
Capabilities of Kalyani M4
These armoured automobiles which have undergone intensive trials in higher altitudes along with other competitors come with specific further capabilities as compared to the frequent automobiles.
These automobiles are going to be constructed at the Pune based facility and have been made to meet the complicated specifications of the Indian Armed Forces.
It is a multi-function platform, and has the capability of rapid mobility in rough terrain and these regions which are impacted by IED & mine threats.
According to the business, this automobile has ballistic and blast protection from up to 50 kg TNT side blast, or IED or roadside bombs, all for the reason that of the design and style.
It is constructed on a flat-floor monocoque hull and has a thrust speed of 140 km per hour.
With a payload of 2.3 tonnes, it can operate in a variety of about 800 km.
The original item is from South African Paramount Group, whose M4 has been modified as per the Indian circumstances and specifications of the finish user by Bharat Forge.
This was doable for the reason that of a deal amongst the two firms to pool in their knowledge, share technologies and capabilities for manufacturing armoured automobiles in India, below the `Make in India’ initiative.