Arjun Mk1A
India2021 - Present
The Arjun Mk1A is India's upgraded indigenous third-generation main battle tank developed by DRDO's CVRDE. Weighing 67-68 tons, it features a 120mm rifled gun with improved barrel, MTU 1,400hp diesel engine (to be replaced by indigenous DATRAN 1,500hp), and improved Kanchan composite armor with ERA Mk-II. Length 10.64m (gun forward), width 3.86m, height 2.32m. Crew of 4. Features 72 improvements over Mk1 including COAPS commander's sight for hunter-killer capability, SAMHO gun-launched ATGM (4km range), automatic target tracking, laser warning receivers, and containerized ERA on turret/hull/skirts. 118 units ordered in 2021 for ₹7,523 crore (~$907 million). Deliveries now expected 2028-2029 due to engine supply issues.
Primary Specifications
Main gun
120mm Rifled
Indigenous Indian tank gun
Engine
1400 HP
MTU diesel engine
Weight
68 tonnes
Heavy for modern MBT standards
Speed
58 km/h
Adequate speed for desert terrain
Range
450 km
Standard operational range
Crew
4
Conventional crew layout
Quick Summary
What's different?
Hunter-killer capability via COAPS commander's panoramic sight. SAMHO gun-launched ATGM for 4km engagements. Redesigned turret with lower silhouette. Non-explosive reactive armor (NERA) in addition to ERA. Multi-purpose mobile camouflage system (MCS).
Why it matters?
Represents India's indigenous tank development capability despite delays. Competed successfully against T-90 in 2010 comparative trials. Export potential being explored for Africa/Middle East markets.
Real-World Impact
1
Indigenous Armor Development
Features improved Kanchan composite armor developed by Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), providing protection against latest APFSDS and tandem HEAT warheads.
2
Engine Indigenization
DATRAN 1,500hp indigenous diesel engine under development by DRDO's CVRDE and BEML to replace German MTU engines, achieving self-reliance. Production expected 2028.
3
Hunter-Killer Operations
COAPS (Commander's Panoramic Sight) allows commander to search 360° for targets while gunner engages, significantly increasing engagement rate and situational awareness.
4
Gun-Launched ATGM
SAMHO indigenously developed gun-launched guided missile provides 4km engagement range against tanks, replacing earlier plans for Israeli LAHAT missile.
Additional Features
Armor
Kanchan + ERA
Other key features
72 upgrades over Mk1; remote weapon station; indigenous armor
FAQs
1. What is the main armament?
120mm rifled gun (largest caliber rifled tank gun in service) firing APFSDS Mk2 with tungsten alloy long-rod penetrator, HESH, Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB), and Thermobaric rounds. SAMHO ATGM capability to 4km.2. Why is it so heavy at 67-68 tons?
3. What caused the delivery delays?
4. How does it compare to T-90?
5. Is Arjun being exported?
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