SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed the development of the Fin-Stabilized Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) MkIII, a next-generation kinetic energy penetrator designed to enhance the firepower of India’s armored forces. This announcement marks a significant step in India’s indigenous defense technology program, aimed at bolstering the capabilities of its main battle tanks, such as the Arjun and T-90.
The FSAPDS MkIII is part of a progressive development timeline that began with the MkI and MkII variants. According to DRDO’s roadmap, the MkI, developed around 2010, had a diameter of 350–370 mm, delivering a pressure of 1050 MPa and an effectiveness of 8% EL (equivalent lethality) with a penetration of 90 J/cm². The MkII, introduced around 2015, improved on this with a diameter of 500–550 mm, a pressure of 1400 MPa, 8–15% EL, and a penetration of 150 J/cm². A further iteration of the MkII, around 2020, achieved 1600 MPa, 8–10% EL, and 110 J/cm² with a 600 mm diameter.
The FSAPDS MkIII, currently in development and projected for completion by 2030, will feature a larger 700 mm diameter and incorporate advanced segmented/jacketed penetrators. The development process includes mixing elemental powders (such as W, Ni, Fe, and Co) through ball milling, followed by compaction/cold isostatic pressing (CIP), presintering, vacuum heat treatment, swaging, and precision machining. These steps aim to enhance the penetrator’s structural integrity and lethality.
The MkIII is expected to significantly improve penetration depth, as illustrated in DRDO’s development chart, which shows a clear upward trend in performance metrics over the years. This advancement will enable Indian tanks to effectively counter modern armored threats, ensuring battlefield superiority.
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