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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Army is poised to enhance its armoured capabilities with the introduction of the Arjun MkI Main Battle Tank (MBT) powered by the indigenous DATRAN 1500Hp engine, expected to enter production from 2028 onwards. This development comes in the wake of challenges faced with the supply of engines from Germany, marking a pivotal moment for India’s defence sector.

The Arjun tank, named after the legendary warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata, has been a project of national pride but also one fraught with delays and technical challenges. Initially, the Indian Army had placed orders for 118 units of the upgraded Arjun Mk1A MBTs, which were expected to be powered by German-made MTU engines. However, MTU, the German engine manufacturer, ceased production of the engines used in the older Arjun MkI MBTs and was not willing to resume for what they considered a minor order size, leading to a significant delay in tank deliveries.

The delay in securing German engines has inadvertently catalyzed India’s push towards indigenous solutions. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), has been developing the DATRAN 1500Hp engine. This engine, which boasts a power output of 1500 horsepower, is designed to be more robust and adaptable to various combat scenarios compared to its German counterpart. The maiden test-firing of this engine took place in March 2024 at BEML’s facility in Mysuru, marking a milestone in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in defence technology.

The DATRAN engine’s journey from testing to full-scale production is anticipated to be thorough. Initial trials are scheduled to commence by mid to late 2025. Following these trials, another 2-3 years are expected before the engine is cleared for production, ensuring that all performance metrics and reliability tests meet the stringent requirements of modern warfare. This timeline aligns the Arjun MkI tanks with the new engine to be delivered starting in 2028, offering the Indian Army a domestically produced, high-performance solution.

This shift to local production not only reduces India’s dependence on foreign suppliers but also aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting national industries in defence manufacturing. The integration of the DATRAN 1500Hp engine into the Arjun tanks is expected to enhance their manoeuvrability, operational endurance, and overall combat effectiveness, crucial for operations in varied Indian terrains from the deserts of Rajasthan to the high altitudes of Ladakh.

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