Poor Israeli Components Stall Arjun Mark II Tank Development

Poor Israeli components, particularly the Laser Homing Attack (LAHAT) Missile, are threatening to stall India’s indigenous development of the Arjun Mark II main battle tank.

Besides accuracy, smoke emanating from the LAHAT missile has been a cause for concern. According to published media reports, the LAser Homing Attack Missile, or LAHAT, is an advanced missile developed and manufactured by the MBT Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). 

"Israeli counterparts have been conveyed the issues and asked to rectify the problems at the earliest," Avinash Chander, secretary, defence research and development and director general, DRDO, was quoted as saying.

Almost 55 to 60% of the components and major part of the technology in Arjun Mk-II MBT are imported starting from the design to engine and the engine transmission system, gun barrel, computer-controlled integrated fire control system, the tracks, the suspension, and the Muzzle Reference System etc, according to a Times Of India report.

The German engine of Arjun Mk-I has again been integrated in Mk-II despite claims of an indigenous engine, according to the report, adding that Arjun Mk-II will not be inducted with the Indian Army anytime soon.  

DRDO had recently launched its Arjun Mk-II for user trials in Rajasthan after integrating the same with almost 75-80 improved features including 16 major technologies as sought by the Indian Army which has already inducted 124 of the Arjun Mk-I tanks.

Arjun Mk-II, the futuristic main battle tank, has been touted as one of the most potent combat tanks for the Army with unmatched automatic target detection and destruction while offering maximum protection to the crew in addition to impressive speed and maneuverability.