http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com, NEW DELHI: The Army may have taken the delivery of the first five “indigenously-developed” Arjun main battle tanks (MBTs) on Saturday but it still remains slightly sceptical about the tank's combat worthiness and operational mobility.
“With its excessive weight and width, the Arjun tank has poor operational mobility. It will not be possible to rapidly move it from one area of operation to another on the existing tank transporters on our rail network,” said a senior officer.
At 58.5 tonnes, the Arjun is much heavier than the newly-inducted T-90S Russian MBT, which weighs 46.5 tonnes, and is consequently less manoeuvrable.
“It may prove too heavy for some of our bridges. It's also yet to be fully proven that the recurring problems with its engine and fire control systems have been solved,” said an officer.
