Armored Brigade- Main Battle Tank: In order to make the Indian Army’s Armored Brigade stronger and deadlier, the Ministry of Defense has ordered 118 new Arjun-Mark 1A Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). Under India’s independence, the Ministry of Defense placed this order for 7,523 crore from OFB’s HVF plant located in Avadi, Tamil Nadu. These new tanks can move easily, are able to fire even at night.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the new version (Mark-1A) of the Arjun tank has 72 new features compared to the old one (Mark-1). This is why they are state-of-the-art tanks. According to the Department of Defense, the new Mark-1A tank may be more precise targeting and deadly firepower. Even these newer tanks can be pulled while standing and walking. More safety arrangements have also been made in the new tank, as a result of which it is on par with all tanks of its class around the world. It has been fully prepared taking into account the climatic and geographic situation of India.
Self-sufficient India to get a boost
Let us tell you that in February of this year Prime Minister Modi visited the Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF) located in Avadi and during this time he handed over the Arjun tank model to the head of the army. When issuing a statement Thursday, the Defense Ministry said the new order would promote India’s self-sufficiency under Make in India. With the new order, 8,000 people will find employment in around 200 small and large companies associated with the Avadi plant, as more indigenous materials were used in the new Mark-1A tank.
However, questions have always been raised about the Arjun tank, especially its weight. In reality, the Arjun reservoir weighs around 70 tonnes (68.50 tonnes). In such a situation, there can be a lot of trouble in transporting the tank from one place to another. Even taking it by train can cause problems. Due to the heavy weight, problems arose regarding the movement of the tank even in the desert. But on Thursday, the Defense Ministry made it clear that the new Mark-1A tank can move quickly over all types of terrain.
Read more: PM Modi meets CEO of five top US companies
