Arjun Mk-1A Tanks-Key Features and Significance

Table of Contents

Arjun Mk-1A Tanks- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 3: Security- Security challenges and their management in border areas.

Recently, the Defence Ministry placed an order with the Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF), Avadi, for the supply of 118 indigenous Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tanks for the Army.
An Arjun hub has been set up in Jaisalmer where 248 rotables have been deposited to ensure quick support and maintenance for the fleet.

About: The state-of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of the Arjun tank designed to enhance firepower, mobility and survivability.
Key Features:
- Arjun Mk-1A is infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant,
- Arjun Mk-1A tank would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.
- Arjun Mk-1A has been customized for missile firing and the advanced GMS has a built-in laser target designator.
Designing and Developing Agency: 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 Organization (DRDO).

Promote Indianization: This project is expected to catalyze the efforts towards the Indianization of defence technology by boosting make in India.
- It will be a significant step towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Employment Generation: this project is expected to generate a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian vendors including MSMEs, with employment opportunities for around 8,000 people.

About: The Arjun Main Battle Tank project was initiated by DRDO in 1972 with the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) as its lead laboratory.
- Mass production began in 1996 at the Indian Ordnance Factory’s production facility in Avadi, Tamil Nadu.
Objective: To create a “state-of-the-art tank with superior firepower, high mobility, and excellent protection”.
Key Features:
- Arjun tanks stand out for their ‘Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)’ ammunition and 120-mm calibre rifled gun.
- It also has a computer-controlled integrated fire control system with a stabilised sighting that works in all lighting conditions.
- The secondary weapons include a co-axial 7.62-mm machine gun for anti-personnel and a 12.7-mm machine gun for anti-aircraft and ground targets.