Arjun Tank: Are They Worth Serving or Not. India has many warheads and these days it is gathering strength and muscle to defend itself from external threats and continue a peaceful environment. India is on the path to become self-dependent in order to produce defense equipment and machines in India. It is a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative “MAKE IN INDIA”. Last year FDI in defense was raised from 26% to 49% to lure investment in defense sector. But, India is now emphasizing more on indigenous production. Arjun, indigenously produced main battle tank is a third generation tank. The indigenous Arjun tank project began in 1974, and was originally aimed to replace Russian T-54 tanks, which have been retired, and more than 1,600 Russian T-72 tanks still in operation. It was designed and produced by DRDO and Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE). Arjun Mark-I had failed to impress the Army. But the new breed, Arjun Mark-II, which was made in cooperation with Israel, seems to leave a good impact on Indian Army. Moreover, Arjun II is expected to replace aging T-55 and T-72M which now seems to be hard to maintain.
Why in News:
Many tanks were sent back to DRDO as a significant proportion of its fleet as it has become inoperable in recent months and are non-serviceable due to continued maintenance problems. UPA government has induced 124 tanks in Indian Army in 2009. But recently Indian Army is facing problems with it. According to the sources, 60% parts of the tank are imported and systems have to be sent abroad for even minor problems. Army had identified 96 problems in the tank out of which 18 were categorized as major problems. “Deficient Fire Control System”, “Inaccuracy of its Guns”, “Low Speeds in Tactical Areas” and persistent “inability to operate in temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius “are some of the cons of this tank. Arjun II also got some disadvantages regarding it heavy weight, which limits its mobilization. Because of it, Arjun II cannot be lifted by IL-76. It can only be lifted by C17 Globemaster III.
The Army has cleared 118 Mark-II tanks. Arjun Mark-II satisfies almost all requirements of Indian Army and has 60% indigenous parts. It also has improvements as compared to the Mark-I. Mark-II is capable of firing an anti-tank missile from its main gun. Thermal imaging system (help in night vision), better protection of crew, advance air defense and most important, Mark-I’s German engine was replaced with the indigenous engine. Its Improved gun barrel has an Equivalent Firing Charge (strength of the barrel to sustain firing) of 500 rounds against T-72’s 250 rounds which make it above Mark-I in all aspects.
Tanks are the backbone of armored regiments of Indian Army. On one hand, Army is still using aging tanks and, on the other hand, the newly developed tanks were having problems. This can put lives of several soldiers in danger. And is a threat to the national security. Buying new technology is a good thing. It’s better to repair the existing ones then to buy new.
