Arjun Mk II[edit]

The Arjun Mark II is an advanced third generation tank.[citation needed] Its development was completed in 2
years owing to experience gained from developing the first version.[102] It has outclassed the T-90
during comparative trials.[103] Regarding the trials, a Ministry of Defence press release reported: "After
many years of trial and tribulation it has now proved its worth by its superb performance under
various circumstances, such as driving cross-country over rugged sand dunes, detecting, observing
and quickly engaging targets, accurately hitting targets – both stationary and moving, with pin
pointed accuracy. Its superior fire-power is based on accurate and quick target acquisition capability
during day and night in all types of weather and shortest possible reaction time during combat
engagements". The Fire control system of the new tank has a hit probability over 90%, when firing
on the move. The new tank also has improved communication systems and new navigation
system.[104]
Arjun Mark II has a total of 93 upgrades, including 13 major improvements. The major upgrades are
missile-firing capability against long-range targets, panoramic sight with night vision to engage
targets effectively at night, containerisation of the ammunition, enhanced main weapon penetration;
additional ammunition types, explosive reactive armour, an advanced air-defence gun to engage
helicopters; a mine plough, an advanced land navigation system and a warning system which can
fire smoke grenades to confuse laser guidance.[105] Other upgrades are an enhanced Auxiliary power
unit providing 8.5 KW (from 4.5 KW) and an improved gun barrel,[106] changes in the commander's
panoramic sight with eye safe LRF, night vision capability including for driver, digital control harness,
new final drive, track and sprocket.[107] The Arjun Mk.2 has an advanced hydropneumatic suspension
system which provides very good comfort to the crew, This tank is also fitted with auxiliary power
unit which powers all systems when the main engine is turned off and It can be also fitted with a
mine plough.[104]
The new variant possesses superior missile firing capabilities and can fire missiles accurately up to a
range of 2 km.[108][109] The latest test consisted of an indigenously developed missile demonstrating
target hit at a range of 5 km.
Arjun tank hull and turret has been modified to achieve the target weight of about 55 tons from 59-64
tonnes. Elbit is helping to enhance its firepower and battlefield survivability and Israel Military
Industries is helping to augment Arjun Mk II's mobility, redesign its turret and hull and improve its
production-line processes. Protection was improved by using improved Kanchan armour, along with
the locally developed explosive reactive armour modules in the turret. [citation needed]
The tank underwent developmental trials in 2012, at Rajasthan's Pokhran field firing range which
continued for two months with the focus on 19 parameters. DRDO started production of 124 Arjun
Mark II tanks for the Indian Army after the success of these trials. The tank commander's thermal
imaging night sight, the tank's operation in "hunter-killer" mode, the tank's missile firing capability
from its main gun, and a laser missile warning and countermeasure system were among the crucial
upgrades that will be tested.[110]
The Mark-II version completed most user trials in 2012 and 2013 and displayed impressive
performance. The new features of the Arjun Mark 2 received favorable responses[111][112]
In August 2014, The apex Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) renewed a Rs 6,600 crore clearance
for 118 Arjun Mark II tanks. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had already cleared
118 Arjun Mark IIs. That clearance had expired since the army has been evaluating the prototype
tank for two years. The renewal allows the army to order the tanks from Heavy Vehicles Factory,
Avadi, when trials are completed. Further support was extended to the Arjun tank project through the
clearance of 40 self-propelled artillery guns, worth Rs 820 crore. This gun system, termed a
"catapult", consists of a 130-millimetre gun mounted on an Arjun tank chassis, allowing it to keep up
with tank columns and provide them fire support in battle.[113]