SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is set to receive its first domestically produced Arjun Mk-1A tanks later this year, marking a significant milestone in its quest for armoured dominance. However, the focus has already shifted to the next frontier: the Arjun Mk-II, a lighter and more agile variant designed with the evolving battlefield realities in mind.
The 118 Arjun Mk-1A tanks, ordered in 2020, represent a substantial upgrade over the Mk-1 variant. They incorporate 72 improvements suggested by the Army, enhancing firepower, mobility, and survivability. However, the Mk-1A’s weight, at 68.6 tons, remains a concern, limiting its manoeuvrability in certain terrains.
DRDO’s Heavy Vehicles Factory is already working on the Mk-II, aiming for a significant weight reduction – over 3 tons – compared to the Mk-1A. This will be achieved through redesigned hull and turret structures using lighter yet high-strength materials.
The Ukraine war has exposed the vulnerabilities of conventional tanks against low-cost, kamikaze drones. The Arjun Mk-II is being specifically designed to address these threats, incorporating enhanced protection against such aerial attacks.
India’s Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) program, envisioned as a 55-ton replacement for ageing T-72s, has yet to take off. Meanwhile, the poor performance of Russian T-72s and T-90s in Ukraine against modern anti-tank-guided missiles has cast doubt on their capabilities. This has bolstered support for the Arjun platform, leading some to believe the Army might back the Mk-II program before 2027 when the Mk-1A deliveries are scheduled to be completed.
The development of the Arjun Mk-II comes at a crucial juncture for the Indian Army. The evolving battlefield demands lighter, more adaptable tanks with superior protection against emerging threats. The Mk-II, if developed successfully, could not only address these needs but also position India as a leading producer of advanced Armoured vehicles on the global stage.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.