Arjun MBT Mk-1A: Indigenous Main Battle Tank Boosts India’s Defence and Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision

India approves 118 Arjun Mk-1A tanks for Army under ₹6,000 crore deal. The upgraded MBT boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat & defence self-reliance.

New Delhi – In a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian government has approved the procurement of 118 Arjun Main Battle Tanks (Mk-1A) for the Indian Army. The decision, taken by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India's indigenous military capabilities.

The acquisition is part of a larger ₹13,700 crore approval for capital purchases across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the Arjun tanks accounting for ₹6,000 crore of the total budget.

DAC Approves ₹13,700 Crore Defence Deal with Focus on Indigenous Systems

Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC greenlit multiple procurement proposals that will enhance the combat readiness of the Indian armed forces. All approved projects will be designed, developed, and manufactured in India, further reducing reliance on foreign imports.

“These proposals include platforms and systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be produced through Indian defence manufacturing,” said the Ministry of Defence in an official statement.

In line with improving the defence procurement process, the DAC also mandated that all capital acquisition contracts (except design and development projects) must be concluded within two years, promoting faster decision-making and execution.

ALSO READ | Decoding Arjun Tank Myth: Way Ahead

Arjun MBT Mk-1A: India’s Next-Gen Main Battle Tank

The Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tank is a modern, multi-role Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) developed indigenously by India. It is built to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army and is a powerful demonstration of India's defence innovation ecosystem.

Designed by DRDO, the Arjun Mk-1A is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring a total of 71 enhancements — including 14 major upgrades and 57 refinements to improve performance, survivability, and crew efficiency.

✅ Superior firepower
✅ High mobility across all terrains
✅ Advanced protection systems
✅ Enhanced crew comfort and combat readiness

ALSO READ | Indian Air Force to Acquire 90 Rafale F4 Jets: A Game-Changer for Air Superiority

 

Key Features of the Arjun MBT Mk-1A

The Arjun MBT Mk-1A integrates some of the latest technologies seen in modern battle tanks around the world. Key features include:

• Laser Warning and Countermeasure System (LWCS)
• Automatic Target Tracker (ATT) for faster target engagement
• Enhanced Night Vision Capabilities for 24x7 combat operations
• Improved Kinetic Energy Penetrators for stronger offensive capability
• Advanced Armour Protection including Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA)
• State-of-the-art Fire Control System
• Upgraded Suspension and Powertrain for superior mobility

With these features, the Arjun Mk-1A is designed to deliver exceptional performance in high-threat environments, from deserts to high-altitude terrains.

ALSO READ | Historic defence order of 118 indigenous Arjun 1A tanks on the anvil

A Strategic Milestone for Atmanirbhar Bharat

The procurement of 118 Arjun tanks is more than just a military decision — it’s a strategic signal for India’s self-reliant defence roadmap. By investing in indigenous platforms, India not only strengthens its armed forces but also boosts domestic defence manufacturing, encouraging private and public sector collaboration.

On 14 February 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the first Arjun Mk-1A to the Indian Army in Chennai, marking a proud moment for India’s defence research and manufacturing ecosystem.

Social Media and Strategic Outreach

The Indian Army’s official handle (@adgpi) shared the announcement with the hashtag #AtmaNirbharBharat, celebrating the advanced features of the Arjun MBT Mk-1A and highlighting India’s growing strength in indigenous weapon platforms.

“The tank has 14 major upgrades including #LaserWarning and Counter System, Automatic Target Tracker and 57 minor refinements. #IndianArmy #StrongAndCapable” – @adgpi

Conclusion: A Giant Leap in India’s Defence Self-Reliance

The induction of the Arjun Mk-1A marks a major leap in India’s journey toward a self-reliant defence force. It enhances the Indian Army’s armoured capabilities while fulfilling the broader national goal of technology sovereignty and strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing.

As India continues to invest in advanced indigenous platforms, the Arjun MBT Mk-1A stands as a testament to Indian innovation, resilience, and readiness.

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

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

• 118 Arjun Mk-1A tanks approved for Indian Army under ₹13,700 crore deal
• Built by DRDO, featuring 71 enhancements for combat performance
• Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defence manufacturing
• Features include Laser Warning System, Auto Target Tracker, and enhanced mobility
• All procurement to be 100% Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured