Fire control and navigation[edit]

Arjun gunnery simulator.

The computerised fire control system aboard Arjun has been jointly developed by DRDO with Israeli
company Elbit.[55] The Fire Control System is stabilised on two axes, and with an extremely high hit
probability (design criteria call for a greater than 0.9 Pk) replaces an earlier analogue one, which had
problems due to its inability to function under the harsh desert conditions. [29] The combined day sight
from Bharat Electronics Ltd. and the thermal imager (formerly from Sagem, now reported to be from
El-Op) constitute the gunner's primary sight. The first batch of tanks of the 124 ordered by the Army
will have an all-digital Sagem FCS, whereas the second block will have the BEL unit, which will be
used for all units thereafter. The commander's own stabilised panoramic sight allows him to engage
targets and/or hand them over to the gunner.[56] The Arjun has an auxiliary power unit to operate
weapon systems in silent watch mode as well.[20][57][58]
The tank incorporates GPS-based navigation systems and sophisticated frequency hopping radios.
The state-of-the-art Battlefield Management System, co-developed by DRDO and Ebit Israel, allows
it to network with other fighting units.[59] The Arjun has the capability to network with other tanks,
thanks to its Battle Management System. In a search and engage operation, several Arjun tanks can
monitor an opponent and his moves, and try to eliminate him in a chase or ambush. [20][57][58]

Protection[edit]
The turret and glacis are protected with "Kanchan" ("gold") modular composite armour, which
derived its name from Kanchan Bagh, Hyderabad, where the Defence Metallurgical Research
Laboratory (DMRL) is located.[60] Kanchan is made by sandwiching composite panels between Rolled
Homogenous Armour (RHA). This helps in defeating APFDS and HEAT rounds. Trials conducted in
2000, showcased the ability of Kanchan armour to protect the tank, even when hit at point blank
range by a T-72. It also demonstrated the capability to defeat HESH and APFSDS rounds, which
included the Israeli APFSDS rounds.[60] A new honeycomb design of Non-Explosive and Non-
Energetic Reactive Armour (NERA) along with nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection
equipment, along with mine sweeps and an automatic fire fighting system are set up on the Arjun
Mark II variant. Electromagnetic-counter mine system can also be installed to disable magnetic
mines and disrupts its electronics before the tank reaches them. Signature reduction suite is also
available for this design to reduce the probabilities of the object to be detected by Infrared, Thermal,
Radar-Thermal, and Radar bands. The planned improvements include Electro-optical/IR "dazzlers",
Laser warning receivers, aerosol grenade discharging systems and a computerised control system
among few. The tank is fitted with infrared jammer, laser rangefinders and designators are used in
navigation (GPS/INS), observation systems and sensors, real-time command and beyond-vision-
range target engaging. Advanced Fire Control System (FCS) is linked to a millimetre band radar
system, laser range-finder, crosswind sensor and IR and radiometer sensors on board. The
millimetre band radar system mounted on the turret is capable of operating as a Missile Approach
Warning System (MAWS) and also has a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and radar jammer. Four
all-bearing Laser warning receivers (LWR) for the new fire-control system enables the Arjun is
capable of shooting down helicopters. Battle Management System has a panoramic sight with the
commander's station equipped with eight periscopes for 360° vision. Commander's independent
thermal viewer, weapon station, position navigation equipment, and a full set of controls and displays
have been linked by a digital data bus for improved fire control system. The tank is fitted with digital
maps, improved cooling system to compensate for heat generated by the additional computer
systems, FBCB2 capabilities, New radars, EW Systems, C4ISR Systems, Gun Control System
(GCS) Integrated Battlefield Management System (IBMS) and Active protection System.[61]
A Mobile Camouflage System has been developed and integrated into the Arjun as part of the
'Development of Defensive Aids System' project.[44] in collaboration with Barracuda Camouflage
Limited, to reduce the vehicle signature against all known sensors and smart munitions.
An Advanced Laser Warning Countermeasure System (ALWCS) for the fire control system has been
developed. This consists of a laser warning system, Infra-Red (IR) jammer and aerosol smoke
grenade system. This is being developed jointly with Elbit Systems Limited of Israel. The ALWCS
has been integrated on Arjun MBT and trials have been carried out.[44][62]