Six years overdue, Army begins first full overhaul of indigenous Arjun tanks
The Army has started rebuilding its Arjun tanks after a significant delay. Two Mk-1 tanks will receive upgrades and serve as a pilot program. This overhaul aims to improve the remaining 124 tanks in the fleet. The Arjun Mk-1A program faces delivery delays due to engine supply issues. India's defense production faces persistent challenges despite self-reliance efforts.
After a six-year delay, the Indian Army has commenced the comprehensive overhaul of its indigenous Arjun tanks. Two Mk-1 tanks will be disassembled and rebuilt at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, serving as a pilot for the improvement of the remaining 124 tanks in their fleet. This marks the first full overhaul of the Arjun tank, which was inducted between 2004 and 2010.
The Army had earmarked 2020 as the target date for the first overhaul, but no agency had been designated to execute it. Earlier engine-level work had been carried out separately, but this project now incorporates those developments. The overhaul will incorporate 26 upgrades, including six major ones like a panoramic commander's sight, an upgraded gunner's sight, an automatic target tracker, and enhanced tracks.
The remaining 20 upgrades are minor, ranging from improved fire suppression systems to better dust sealing. However, the Arjun Mk-1A programme remains on hold as the 118 tanks ordered from the factory in 2021 have yet to be delivered, with engine supply being the main obstacle.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
