Indian Army To Begin Final Tests On Arjun Mark II MBT

The Indian Army will conduct final trails on the advanced version of Arjun Mark II main battle tank in the first week of August, where its missile firing capabilities and other upgrades will be under scrutiny, according to the Press Trust of India. 

The Indian Army had asked for 93 improvements to the tank which include the capability of firing the anti-tank LAHAT missile,laser protection suite and improved armored protection for the vehicle. 

Following the successful trial, the tank will be inducted into the force by the beginning of 2014.

According to reports, The Indian Army has already inducted 120 Arjuns out of 124 ordered, and are part of armoured regiments deployed in the borders with Pakistan.

The second order for 124 tanks was placed by the Indian Army after comparative trials between the Arjun and the Russian-origin T-90 tanks in the Pokhran testing range couple of years ago.

According to the DRDO, Arjun Mark II can fire missiles, has advanced Explosive Reactive Armour panels, mine plough, Automatic Target Tracking, Advanced Land Navigation System, digitalcontrol harness and advanced commander panoramic sight among other features.

The Indian Army had asked the DRDO to carry out further upgrades on the next order of another 124 tanks which will be named as Arjun MkII.

Arjun will have a better gun barrel with an Equivalent Firing Charge (strength of the barrel to sustain firing) of 500 rounds against the T 72's 250 rounds.