Arjun Mk-1A Tanks- Relevance for UPSC Exam
- GS Paper 3: Security- Security challenges and their management in border areas.
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Arjun Mk-1A Tanks- Context
- 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.
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Arjun Mk-1A Tanks– Key points
- 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).
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Arjun Mk-1A Tanks- Significance
- 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.
Arjun Main Battle Tank Project
- 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.