SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the enduring importance of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in modern warfare. The use of both old and new MBTs by Russia has highlighted the necessity of maintaining substantial reserves to address the potential for prolonged conflicts, which can stretch over months or even years. This scenario has significant implications for militaries worldwide, including the Indian Army, which ranks fifth globally in MBT numbers.
The Indian Army is currently planning to retire its fleet of T-72 tanks starting in 2035, with a view to placing them in reserve. Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proposed converting these T-72s into Autonomous Main Battle Tanks (AMBTs). This transformation would enable the Indian Army to deploy these unmanned tanks in high-risk scenarios where the likelihood of their destruction is elevated due to advances in Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) technology.
Deploying unmanned T-72s could provide significant initial offensive firepower and deplete the enemy’s ATGM inventory, thereby ensuring safer operational conditions for manned tanks like the forthcoming Futuristic Main Battle Tank (FMBT), which is set to replace the T-72s. This strategic use of older tanks can offer a tactical advantage by reducing the risks to more advanced and manned MBTs.
Despite some predictions about the obsolescence of MBTs due to advancements in anti-tank weaponry, the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated that the firepower and battlefield presence provided by MBTs remain crucial. Tanks continue to offer unparalleled support in offensive and defensive operations, and their role is likely to persist in future conflicts.
The DRDO is also advancing the concept of unmanned warfare by developing an unmanned variant of the Arjun Mk1 MBT. This unmanned MBT can operate without a crew and is capable of launching attacks using its main cannon. Additionally, it can integrate loitering munitions and drones to enhance its firepower and tactical versatility.
The lessons from the Ukraine conflict highlight the enduring relevance of MBTs and the necessity of maintaining robust reserves for prolonged disputes. The DRDO’s proposal to convert older T-72s into autonomous tanks, coupled with DRDO’s development of unmanned Arjun Mk1s, showcases a forward-thinking approach to modern warfare. As militaries around the world continue to adapt to new technologies and evolving threats, MBTs are poised to remain a cornerstone of Armoured warfare, ensuring that armies are prepared for the complexities of future battlefields.
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