India is considering development of domestic engines for Arjun Mk-1A tanks.

India is considering the development of domestic engines for Arjun Mark MK-1A tanks due to a delay in the delivery of German engines intended for these tanks. The decision comes after German manufacturers announced that it would take at least four years to restart the production of these essential engines.
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The latest generation of Indian-made Arjun main battle tank (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In response to this challenge, India is exploring the possibility of designing and producing a local engine, a project that is already underway and could be completed more quickly than the timeline proposed by the German companies. According to several sources, there are plans to initially deliver a few tanks equipped with German engines, before gradually transitioning to the indigenous engines.

In 2021, India ordered 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mark 1-A, intended to become the core armored system of the army's arsenal. Valued at Rs 7,523 crore, this acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Heavy Vehicles Factory located in Avadi, Chennai, which manufactures these tanks, colloquially known as "Hunter Killers".

The Arjun is a third-generation main battle tank developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. The development of this tank began in 1972 by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a laboratory of the DRDO. The first batch of 16 production-version Arjun tanks was delivered in 2004, forming a squadron within the 43rd Armored Regiment. This regiment was later expanded to 45 tanks on May 25, 2009, thus becoming the first Arjun regiment of the Indian Army.

The Arjun has a crew of four and is armed with a 120 mm rifled gun capable of firing APFSDS (kinetic energy penetrator), HE, HEAT, and HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) rounds at a rate of 6-8 rounds per minute. The Arjun's gun can also fire the Israeli-developed semi-active laser-guided LAHAT missile. The Arjun can carry 39 rounds in special blast-proof canisters. The tank's secondary armament includes a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the commander's hatch turret and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.

The turret and glacis are protected by "Kanchan" modular composite armor, named after Kanchan Bagh, Hyderabad, where the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) is located. Kanchan armor is made by sandwiching composite panels between Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA), capable of defeating APFDS and HEAT rounds.

The Arjun Mk-1A is an upgraded version of the Arjun Mark 1, offering enhanced firepower, protection, and mobility. The hull and turret of the Arjun Mk.1A have been modified to provide a lower silhouette, making detection more difficult, and are equipped with newly developed Thermo-Baric (TB) and Penetration-cum-Blast (PCB) ammunition. The Arjun Mk-1A is fitted with an improved Gunner's Main Sight (GMS) integrated with Automatic Target Tracking (ATT), all connected to a computerized fire control system enhancing the first-round kill capability and ensuring accurate engagement even under adverse conditions. It also includes a panoramic sight (CPS Mark II) with an integrated uncooled thermal imager and night vision camera with binocular sights, and a laser rangefinder for advanced hunter-killer capability. To improve mobility despite an additional weight increase, an Advanced Running Gear System (ARGS) has been developed, where the hydropneumatic suspension system is completely redesigned to enhance agility.

Over the past decades, India has significantly evolved its defense strategy, emphasizing the indigenization of its military equipment. The country has sought to reduce its reliance on arms imports by developing a national defense industrial base. This strategy has been supported by significant investments in research and development, enabling the local production of cutting-edge technologies such as the Arjun main battle tank, Agni ballistic missiles, and Tejas fighter aircraft. Simultaneously, India has diversified its international partnerships, collaborating with a variety of countries to acquire critical technologies while exploring new markets for its defense exports.

This shift towards indigenization and supplier diversification not only strengthens India's strategic autonomy but also positions the country as a key player in the global defense market, capable of meeting its needs while providing viable solutions to other nations.

Defense News February 2024