The tank would also be equipped with the indigenous explosive-reactive
armour to protect it from enemy missiles and rockets.
The tank is likely to be equipped with the Laser Warning
Suites and missile-firing capabilities, which are an advancement
over the existing versions of the weapon system.
With a striking range of eight kms, the Arjun would be
equipped with Laser Range Finders, which will help it
to fire Laser Homing Anti Tank missiles to take on enemy
tanks and low-level flying aircraft.
The two-phase project to develop the advanced version
of the Arjun MK-II was cleared last year and these will
be handed over to the Army for trials after the completion
of technical trials, DRDO officials said here.
The tank would be developed further under the phase II
of the project and would be sent to the Army for trials
by the end of 2012, they added.
The Defence Ministry had sanctioned the development of
Arjun MK-II with enhanced features over the first lot
of 124 tanks that have been delivered to the army over
the last two years.
Two regiments of the Arjun MK-I are already deployed
in the Rajasthan sector by the Army and a further order
for 124 tanks has been placed with the DRDO.
The Army had earlier decided to procure only 124 pieces
of the Arjun, which has been under development since late
70s, but changed its stance after the indigenous tank
emerged clear winner in competitive trials with the Russian-origin
T-90 in March last year.
