The Arjun Mark 1A Mark 2: A Deep Dive into India’s Indigenously Built Main Battle Tank

India’s foray into indigenously building Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) brought to the world the Arjun tank, a modern marvel of engineering and warfare technology. Developed in response to the country’s growing military requirements, the Arjun Mark 1A Mark 2 represents a significant achievement for India’s defense sector. This heavy battle tank is commonly assessed based on three criteria: protection, firepower, and mobility. This article delves into the intricacies of the Arjun tank, detailing its structure, functionality, and operation, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of its deployment in modern warfare.

Protection

The Arjun’s defense system is meticulously designed, with protection spearheaded by its Kanchan composite armor. The Kanchan armor, indigenous to India, is unique in its layered structure, which incorporates a mix of fiberglass, ceramic, and aluminum, among other materials. This structure allows the armor to defeat armor-piercing fin stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) and high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads, showcasing the power and sophistication of this homegrown armor.

Moreover, the tank features explosive reactive armor covering most of its vulnerable parts, further enhancing its resistance to explosive threats. These protective elements, combined with additional ones like a roof-mounted driver’s seat, a driver night sight, and a specialized ammunition storage kept in blast-proof canisters, exemplify the robust and meticulous design focused on crew protection.

Firepower

The Arjun’s firepower is centered around its primary armament, a 120-millimeter rifled gun, which is equipped with a thermal sleeve, fume extractor, and a muzzle reference system. The gun is capable of firing a comprehensive range of ammunition, including APFSDS rounds. These rounds, upon firing, discard their protective shells and can strike targets up to 2.5 kilometers away.

In addition to the conventional tank rounds, the Arjun has the ability to fire the Laser Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) missile from Israel. This missile can be launched from existing 105 millimeter and 120-millimeter tank guns, with a range of up to 8,000 meters (5 miles) when deployed from a ground platform, and up to 13,000 meters (8.1 miles) from higher elevations. The integration of such advanced weaponry gives the Arjun a formidable offensive capability.

Mobility

Powering this colossal machine is a German MTU-838 Ka 501 diesel unit, producing 1,400 horsepower. Despite the tank’s enormous weight — reportedly between 58.5 and 68.5 tons, possibly making it one of the heaviest MBTs in active service today — the engine provides a maximum cross-country speed of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. The tank also boasts a range of 450 kilometers (280 miles), thanks to a fuel capacity of 1,610 liters (430 US gallons).

However, given the Arjun’s weight and the corresponding need for increased power, the forthcoming Arjun Mark II will be equipped with a more efficient 1,500 to 1,520 horsepower engine, currently being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This significant upgrade should enhance the tank’s mobility and operational range.

Operation and Crew Functionality

The Arjun tank operates with a crew of four: a commander, a gunner, a loader, and a driver. The commander has a 360-degree panoramic sight camera integrated with thermal imagers, enabling efficient surveillance during both day and night. An automatic target tracker further facilitates target acquisition and tracking.

The loader is responsible for loading the selected shell upon the commander’s order. Once the commander identifies the target, the gunner calculates the required adjustments for windage and elevation, aligns the gun, and takes the shot.

The Arjun also includes a unique feature: the gyro-stabilized tank gun. Once a target is designated by the commander, the gun maintains its elevation regardless of the tank’s movement, ensuring the highest level of accuracy even in motion.

The vehicle is equipped with infrared countermeasures to deter infrared-guided missiles and an anti-aircraft gun with a remote firing option for additional defense against aerial threats. Ammunition is stored within a specialized compartment featuring blow-off panels, adding an extra layer of safety for the crew.

Conclusion: Pros, Cons, and the Future

While the Arjun Mark 1A Mark 2 stands as a testament to India’s capabilities in developing sophisticated military technology, it’s essential to assess both its advantages and challenges. The LAHAT missile firing capability, for instance, enhances its range and firepower significantly. Meanwhile, the Kanchan armor offers exceptional protection, reportedly withstanding hits from tank shells at point-blank range, including rounds from various international sources.

However, the Arjun also has its drawbacks. The increase in protection and firepower, along with over 90 upgrades, have resulted in decreased tactical and operational mobility and a slower speed. The prolonged development period has also resulted in certain design decisions becoming obsolete.

Yet, as India moves forward with the development of the Arjun Mark II and continues to innovate in military technology, the country’s first indigenous MBT remains a significant milestone. Its future iterations promise to address the current shortcomings and further strengthen India’s defense capabilities.