Upgraded Arjun tank undergoes final trials in Pokhran

JAISALMER: The upgraded version of main battle tank Arjun is undergoing final testing in Pokhran field firing range. The tank, Arjun Mark-II, is being tested for different parameters. The first test will examine its missile firing ability while the second one will look into its automotive aspects ie, its movement ability especially with added load. The Army and the DRDO are jointly conducting these trials for the past few days.
The successful testing will pave the way for production of upgraded Arjun. In all, 124 tanks of the first series have been produced so far. The Army has two armoured regiments which have Arjun I tanks and both the regiments are deployed in the western sector.
The tank is produced by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment near Chennai.
A major modification on the new version of the tank is its missile firing capability. The new LAHAT missile is primarily meant for targeting armoured vehicles and fortifications over extended ranges.
The automotive trials will test the new suspension of the tank designed to handle up to 70 tonnes of weight. The engine will be from the same German parentage.
The upgraded version has 89 improvements over its predecessor. These include long-range missile firing capabilities, panoramic sights with night vision, enhanced weapon penetration, digital control, better hunter-killer capability, improved auxiliary power unit (APU), better communication equipment and navigation aid. The tank will have frontal explosive reactive armour (ERA) to protect against incoming missiles, said Col SD Goswami, defence spokesperson.
The ongoing final trials of Arjun Mark II will mainly focus on 19 parameters after army recommendation, said DRDO spokesperson Ravi Gupta. A successful trial at Pokhran firing range would mean green signal for production of 124 Arjun Mark IIs at Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi. These will supplement the 124 Arjun Mark I already in service.