On September 23, 2021, the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) of Avadi, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) grabbed Rs 7,523 crore order from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army.
- The tank is known as the “hunter killers”, the latest version of the tank is equipped with a massive 120 mm rifled gun and Kanchan armour.
- This order is on the lines of Indian government efforts to boost their flagship initiatives of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector.
About MBT Arjun Mk-1A:
It is a new variant of MBT Arjun Tank Mk-1A with 72 new features, more indigenous content, and numerous upgrades.
- Mk-1A is designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Chennai based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), along with other DRDO laboratories.
- This new variant has accurate & superior firepower, day/night mobility in all terrains, and survivability in both static and dynamic modes powered by advanced technology systems.
- The tank weighs 68.25 tonnes, making it among the world’s heaviest tanks.
Key Points:
i.This order will benefit over 200 Indian vendors including MSMEs, with employment opportunities to around 8,000 people.
ii.Notably, MBT Arjun Mk-1A was manufactured in the two period of 2010-2012 after that its trial evaluation was conducted in various phases during 2012-2015.
iii.Five Mk-1A tanks will be delivered within 30 months, followed by 30 tanks every year.
MoD promulgates framework for increased utilization of simulators by 3 Services & ICG
MoD also promulgated a framework for enhanced and synergised utilization of simulators by the three (Army, Navy and Air Force) Services and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). This framework envisages transforming simulation-based training across all military domains in effective, efficient and in an economical way.
- It also lays emphasis on indigenous design and development.
- The policy will apply to all types of simulators currently in use or to be purchased by the Armed Forces in the future.
Recent Related News:
As part of the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence, the Ministry of Defence has initiated a project to create the 1st of its kind cyber museum which will honour the war heroes of India. It
About Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister- Rajnath Singh (Constituency- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Minister of State– Ajay Bhatt (Constituency- Nainital–Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttarakhand)
