The
Indian Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) received the green signal for developing the Mark-II
version over a year ago after successful user trials of
the Arjun Mk-I, which surprised sceptics even in the army.
The
Arjun tank project has taken an inordinately long time
to develop as continually shifting requirements from the
army and other problems pushed it out of gear.
"The
trials of the Arjun Mark-II tanks have begun at the Pokhran
ranges in Rajasthan from today. The development programme
is right on track and on schedule," senior defence
ministry officials informed media.
"In
24 months from now, or in early 2014, the Arjun Mark-II
tanks will be ready for production," senior DRDO
officials had said in February this year.
The
Arjun Mark-II is also expected to go through winter trials
later this year. At present, there are 2456 T 72s, over
300 T 90s and 110 Arjun Mark I deployed across the country.
