India's Indigenous Arjun Mark-1A Tank Awaits Army Approval

Upgraded Arjun Mark-1A MBT hailed as India's answer to the Russian-origin T-90S 'Bhishma' tanks that currently of India's armoured vehicle regiments.

India's quest for self-reliance in military hardware faces a critical test with the Arjun Mark-1A Main Battle Tank (MBT). Touted as a powerful, domestically produced alternative to the Russian T-90S "Bhishma" tanks, which form the core of India's armored forces, the upgraded Arjun Mark-1A is still awaiting a crucial approval from the Indian Army. This indecision highlights a long and complex history of development, performance concerns, and strategic considerations.

 The Evolution of the Arjun Tank

The Arjun program, initiated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the mid-1970s, has been plagued by delays and performance issues. After over three decades of testing, the initial Arjun MBTs were finally inducted into the Army, but not without significant criticism.

The tank was faulted for its immense weight, poor serviceability, and logistical challenges. A 2016 report from the Comptroller and Auditor General even revealed that a majority of the tanks were non-operational due to a lack of spare parts.

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In response, the DRDO has worked to refine the design, culminating in the Arjun Mark-1A. The latest version features 14 major and 58 minor improvements, addressing many of the Army's concerns. 

These upgrades include an enhanced gunner sight with automatic target tracking, a computerized fire control system for improved accuracy, and day-and-night stabilized sights. The tank's armament has also been upgraded to include thermobaric and penetration-cum-blast ammunition in addition to conventional rounds. 

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Despite these advancements, the Army remains cautious, maintaining that while "substantive issues have been addressed," the tank is still a work in progress.

 

A Strategic Crossroads

The Army's hesitation to fully commit to the Arjun Mark-1A is particularly notable given its recent large-scale orders for Russian tanks. A 2019 order for 464 T-90S tanks, worth approximately ₹20,000 crore, indicates a preference for established foreign technology over the indigenous alternative. 

This move suggests that while India champions its "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative, practical considerations like operational reliability and proven performance continue to influence military procurement decisions.

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The existing fleet of 124 Arjun tanks is reportedly deployed in the western sector, and there have been reports of plans to raise two additional regiments of the upgraded Mark-1A. 

Last week, senior military officials, including Director-General Armoured Corps Lt. Gen. MJS Kahlon Bakshi, were given a demonstration of the tank's new capabilities, including its remote-controlled weapon system. 

The outcome of these high-level assessments will be critical in determining the future of the Arjun program and India's long-term defense strategy.

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Will the Army's recent display of the Arjun Mark-1A's capabilities be enough to secure a full-scale production order, or will the T-90S continue to dominate India's armored regiments?