With the Arjun Main Battle Tank slated to be compared with Russian T-90 tanks in trials after August, the DRDO is working on development of host of armoured defence systems to provide additional capabilities for the indigenously developed battle tank.
“DRDO is developing a laser warning control system (LWCS) and Mobile Camouflaging System (MCS) to be equipped on the Arjun, which is expected to be fielded for regimental level trials with T-90s during monsoon,” Defence Ministry officials told the news agency.
The MCS is being developed by DRDO to help the tank reduce the threat of interference from all types of sensors and smart munitions of the enemy in the tank’s systems. “This will help us reduce the signatures of the tank in the battle field and help it improve its survivability,” they said.
DRDO is co-developing the technology along with a Gurgaon-based private sector defence manufacturer Barracuda Camouflaging Limited. The other system LWCS is being developed in cooperation with Elbit Limited of Israel.
“The Laser Warning Suite of the tank will be based on an Israeli system, used by their Army on its tanks,” officials said. LWCS includes laser warning system, Infra Red jammers and aerosol grenade smokes, which will help the tank to avoid being hit by laser guided weapons of the enemy.
The Indian Army, sources said, is also looking to equip its T-90s with the laser warning suites and has released a global request for proposal to vendors for providing such systems.
The outcome of the field trials will determine the future of Arjuns in the Indian Army.
On Monday, the DRDO had handed over a set of 16 Arjun Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) equipped with advanced technology including enhanced firing range to the Indian Army.
Built by DRDO’s Avadi-based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), 124 Arjuns have been ordered by the Army at a cost of Rs 1,760 crore.
Of the total 124, CVRDE had already delivered 29 MBTs in two installments till March this year and the rest of the Arjun tanks would be delivered to the Army by March 2010.
Arjun tanks can fire at a range of 3-4 km, have great mobility and are equipped with high protection facility.
Fitted with 1,400 HP engine, the six-speed armoured vehicle can notch up to 70 km per hour and climb on a 30 degree radiant surface.
