Arjun Mk1A MBT

Type: tank

Domain: land

Country of Origin: India

Manufacturer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)

Overview

India's indigenous main battle tank designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under DRDO. The Mk1A is the definitive production variant featuring 89 enhancements over the original Mk1, including improved fire control system with laser warning and countermeasures, commander's panoramic sight with thermal imaging, explosive reactive armour (ERA) for enhanced protection against HEAT rounds, improved suspension for better cross-country mobility, and Mine Protection System. Armed with a 120mm rifled gun (India uniquely retained rifled tank guns when most nations adopted smoothbore) firing FSAPDS, HESH, and HE ammunition, capable of launching the LAHAT gun-launched anti-tank guided missile with range of 6 km. Secondary armament includes a 12.7mm commander's machine gun and 7.62mm coaxial MG. Powered by a 1,400 hp MTU diesel engine. Weight of 68 tonnes. The Arjun Mk1A faced protracted development but has proven its capabilities in desert trials. Indian Army has ordered 118 Mk1A tanks with initial deliveries from 2022.

Technical Specifications

crew	4
range	450 km
engine	MTU 838 Ka-501 diesel (1,400 hp)
weight	~68 tonnes
max_speed	67 km/h
protection	Kanchan composite armor + ERA; NBC protection
fire_control	Thermal imager; hunter-killer capability
main_armament	120 mm rifled gun

Operators

India

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