The Defence Ministry on Thursday signed a contract with Chennai-based Heavy Vehicles Factory for 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjuna Mk-1A for the Indian Army. The contract is for Rs 7,523 crores and is expected to boost the combat capabilities of the armed forces.
The MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of the Arjun Tank, designed and developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to enhance firepower, mobility and survivability with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant.
"The Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed an order with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, Chennai for supply of 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army on September 23," the ministry said.
"The order, worth ₹ 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ''Make in India'' initiative in defence sector and is a big step towards achieving ''Aatmanirbhar Bharat''," it said. It would also ensure effortless mobility in all terrains while also enabling precise target engagement 24*7, it added.
"The MK-1A is equipped with accurate and superior firepower, all-terrain mobility and an invincible multi-layered protection provided by an array of advanced technology systems. It can take on the enemy during day and night conditions and in both static and dynamic modes," the ministry said.
"This will be a flagship project showcasing the indigenous capability in cutting edge defence technologies," the ministry said.
"The development activities commenced from June 2010 and the tank was fielded for user trials in June 2012. It took only two years to develop and field the MBT Arjun Mk-1A for user trials from the user requirement," the ministry said.
"Extensive trial evaluation was conducted in various phases covering 7000 plus kms (both in DRDO and user trials) of automotive and substantial firing of various ammunition during 2012-2015," it said.