Arjun Mk II: India’s Upgraded Main Battle Tank

source india-defence.com

02/08/2011 Posted by Armed Forces International's Defence Correspondent

An upgraded version of Indian's Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) is presently being put through its paces at a military testing ground.

The Mark II variant features a host of new enhancements including a boosted missile-firing capability, new navigation and power generation systems and anti-tank mine detection lasers.

Among the additional features are a BFMS (Battlefield Management System), through which tank operators are able to view data fed in by locally-operating helicopters and UAVs. This heightens general situational awareness and help on the navigation front.

There's also an SDS (Self-Diagnostic System) which, in the event of mechanical failure or a strike, indicates which part of the tank's been affected, air conditioning, giving those inside a more comfortable experience all-round, and an improved chassis design, creating a faster, more agile tank than the Arjun Mk I.

Arjun Mk II Main Battle Tank

In all, there are reportedly 90 differences between the Arjun and the Arjun Mk II Main Battle Tank, according to officials.

The original Arjun project was started in the mid-1970s but experienced a series of setbacks. As a result, India pressed Russian T-90 tanks in service as a stop-gap measure and only in March this year did the Arjun finally start to equip India's land forces in strength.

The Arjun Mk II trials - being conducted in the desert environment of Rajasthan's Pokran ranges - are assessing how the upgrades affect performance and, according to one Indian defence representative, they'll be carried out regularly over the next three years.

Indian Arjun Tank Upgrade

The Indian Arjun tank upgrade programme involves a large number of agencies including the Instruments Research and Development Establishment and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.

Being carried out by DRDO (India's Defence Research and Development Organisation), the Arjun Mark II trials have recently entered their second phase and, ultimately, should result in the design joining the Indian Army in three years time.

The Indian Army's set to take delivery of 124 Arjun Mk II MBTs and they'll be delivered in increments, with the first wave of 30 to be in service in 2014