Upgraded Arjun MBT Mark-II Serial Production to Begin in 2014

(Indiadefense) : After more than 90 upgrades, an advanced variant of the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) will undergo serial production in 2014. The tank, Arjun Mark-II, will be equipped with an indigenous engine a year after the start of its serial production to replace its German power plant, Defence Researchand Development Organisation (DRDO) officials told Press Trust of India.

"The advanced Arjun will be equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour and missile-firing capability from its main gun and better night-vision capabilities," they said. The officials said that the gear box of the tank too would be upgraded to improve its performance.

Meanwhile, the DRDO has decided to go ahead with the first phase of the tank's trial in June this year. "The user -- Indian Army -- would be involved in the trial from the phase one itself. The second phase would take place sometime early next year," said the officials. 124 Arjun Mark-I tanks, comprising two regiments, have already been inducted into the Army after being manufactured in Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi. The regiments are based in the western sector.