Arjun Main Battle Tank MK-1A

Context

• The indigenously developed Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) has been handed over to the Indian Army.

Arjun Main Battle Tank

• The Arjun Main Battle Tank project was initiated by DRDO in 1972.

Features

• It has ‘Fin StabilisedArmour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)’ ammunition.
• It is fitted with a 120-mm caliber rifled gun.
• It also has a computer-controlled integrated fire control system.
• Secondary weapons
• A co-axial 7.62-mm machine gun for anti-personnel.
• It has a 12.7-mm machine gun for anti-aircraft and ground targets.

Objective

• To create a “state-of-the-art tank with superior firepower, high mobility, and excellent protection”.

Organizations involved

• The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) is its lead laboratory.
• DRDO along with 15 academic institutions, eight labs, and several MSMEs are other partners.