Arjun MBT: India's Silver Hammer

[Yontzee]

[Would you like to see this in-game?]

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Arjun MBT: India’s Silver Hammer
Disclaimer: This suggestion covers both the Arjun Mk. 1 and Arjun Mk. 1A.

The Arjun Mk. 1 during a military parade.

The Arjun Mk. 1A during field trials.

• Basic Description:
  • The Arjun, which means silver, white, or clear, is a series of main battle tanks developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment/DRDO. After the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence, the Indian Army realized a need to begin development of its own indigenous tank suited to its own needs. Prior to the Arjun, the Indian Army heavily relied on the United Kingdom and further on the Soviet Union for meeting most of its defense needs. This included main battle tanks, light vehicles, IFV’s, and more. Since the 1970’s, the Indian Army relied on the Vijayanta series tanks which were derived from the Vickers Mk. 1 tank as well as T-72’s imported from the U.S.S.R. As of today, the Indian Army still heavily utilizes Soviet/Russian tanks such as the T-90S “Bhishma”, however, have seen an increasing focus on the development of indigenous vehicle programs which includes the Arjun Main Battle Tank.
  • Development for the Arjun began in the early 1970’s and with a design plan formed in 1983 with the help of Krauss-Maffei, lead to the first prototype being built in 1989. This prototype drew in a lot of similarities of the newly developed Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank. This tank featured several local developments such as Kanchan composite armor with integrated NERA, a unique rifled 120mm gun, as well as proven technology such as the MTU MB 838 Ka-501 V10 Turbocharged Diesel Engine from Germany. The fire control system was also German. This tank would be later designated as the Arjun Mk. 1. Production of the Arjun Mk. 1 began in 2004 with around 124 delivered to the Indian Army. These Arjun Mk. 1’s have long complimented the T-72 Ajeya and T-90S main battle tanks that are the current mainstay of the Army.
  • In 2010, DRDO offered to upgrade the Arjun to allow it to meet modern defense requirements as the original Arjun Mk. 1 had started to become obsolete. This new Arjun was originally designated the Arjun Mk. 2 before being adjusted to Arjun Mk. 1A. Developments continued throughout the 2010’s resulting in many more upgrades. This new vehicle originally featured 89 improvements over the standard Arjun Mk. 1, including newly integrated NERA, indigenous Explosive Reactive Armor Mk-II which is capable of stopping both KE and CE rounds, and enhanced Kanchan composite armor in a redesigned turret, a new Commanders’ Independent Thermal Sight, a fully integrated countermeasure system dubbed ALWCS, or Advanced Laser Warning Countermeasure System, new ammunition along with the SAMHO GL-ATGM, Remote Weapon Station, and more. Both the Commander and Gunner are equipped with 3rd-generation thermal imagers. The Arjun Mk. 1A is facing considerable criticism due to its immense weight compared to the other tanks fielded by the Indian Army such as the T-72 Ajeya and T-90S, which both weigh 10 or more tons less than the Mk. 1A. Development continues on the Mk. 1A to increase its survivability as well as decrease overall weight. However, due to its suspension, the center mass is more spread out versus other MBT of its class. New developments for the vehicle have occurred revolving the propulsion systems. Due to delays in Germany delivering its MTU-diesel engines, Indian Research and Development teams at DRDO developed and tested a new 1,500hp V12 Turbocharged Diesel Engine and an Automatic transmission to match it, which will be fitted to the Arjun main battle tank. This will offset the weight of the vehicle, offering an improved power-to-weight ratio and mobility. Other developments in progress include testing foreign or creating an indigenous active protection system to destroy incoming munitions such as FPV Drones, ATGM’s, and CE-based rounds. The Arjun Mk. 1 and Mk. 1A, along with the T-90S Bhishma Mk. III, will be the cornerstone of the Indian Army for years to come. Discussions along with R&D are already ongoing in preparation for the official Arjun Mk. II.
• Specifications:
  • Role: Main Battle Tank
  • Origin/Manufacturer:
    • India - CVRDE/DRDO
  • Armament:
    • Primary: 120mm Rifled Gun (Mk.1 - 42rds/Mk. 1A - 39rds)
      • Ammunition:
        • APFSDS-T (or FSAPDS)
          • FSAPDS Mk. 1
          • FSAPDS Mk. 2
        • HESH
        • HE
          • Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) Anti-Bunker
          • Thermobaric (TB)
        • SAMHO GL-ATGM
        • LAHAT GL-ATGM (Testing)
      • Feed System:
        • Manual
    • Coaxial: 7.62mm MAG Machine Gun
    • Roof-mounted: 12.7mm NSV Machine Gun
      • Arjun Mk.1A utilizes 12.7mm NSV Remote Weapon Station
  • Dimensions:
    • Arjun Mk. 1
      • Length: 10.19m
      • Width: 3.85m
      • Height: 2.32m
      • Weight: 64.5t
    • Arjun Mk. 1A
      • Length: 10.64m
      • Width: 3.95m
      • Height: 3.18m
      • Weight: 75t
  • Mobility:
    • Engine:
      • Current: 1,400hp MTU MB 838 Ka-501 V10 Turbocharged Diesel Engine
        • Both vehicles currently use the 1,400hp engine.
      • In-development: 1,500hp DRDO DATRAN V12 Turbocharged Diesel Engine
    • Max Speed:
      • Arjun Mk. 1: 70km/h
      • Arjun Mk. 1A: 60km/h
    • Transmission:
      • Current: RENK Gearbox (4-Forward, 2-Reverse)
        • Both vehicles currently use the RENK Gearbox.
      • In-development: CVRDE Automatic Transmission (Unknown Gear-configuration)
    • Suspension: Hydropneumatic Suspension
• Crew:
  • Commander
  • Gunner
  • Loader
  • Driver
• Features:
  • Arjun Mk. 1
    • Laser Rangefinder
    • 12x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
    • Armor:
      • Kanchan Composite Armor
      • Integrated NERA
      • DMR-1700 Steel Alloy
    • Blowout Panels
    • Optics:
      • Gunner: Gunner’s Main Sight (GMS) | 1st-generation Thermal Imager (Possible EMES-15 Derivative)
      • Commander: Commander’s Panoramic Sight MK-I | Passive-IR Sight
      • Driver: Day/Night Sight | Passive-IR Sight
  • Arjun Mk. 1A
    • Laser Rangefinder
    • Advanced Laser Warning Countermeasure System (ALWCS)
      • 16x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
        • Can slew Grenade Launchers to incoming missile and automatically discharge Smoke Grenades.
      • Elbit System’s Laser Warning Receivers
    • Armor:
      • Advanced Kanchan Composite Armor
      • Integrated NERA
      • Explosive Reactive Armor Mk-II
        • Indigenously developed and successfully tested against various threats, including 84mm and 125mm HEAT rounds, Milan warheads, and AMK-339 ammunition.
        • AMK-339 is the designation for the Indian 3BM42 APFSDS-T round.
      • DMR-1700 Steel Alloy
    • Mine-plow
    • Hunter-Killer Capable
    • Blowout Panels
    • Optics:
      • Gunner: Advanced Gunner’s Main Sight (AGMS) | 3rd-generation Thermal Imager
      • Commander: Indigenous Commander’s Panoramic Sight (ICPS) | 3rd-generation Thermal Imager
      • Driver: Thermal Imager | To Be Determined (TBD)
• In-game:
  • The two different Arjun’s are powerful MBT’s that will serve well in Rank VII and Rank VIII:
    • The original Arjun Mk. 1 would play very similarly to the Leopard 2A4, featuring high speed and decent maneuverability. It would have access to strong APFSDS-T developed indigenously as well as a GL-ATGM. This makes it unique amongst vehicles in Rank VII.
    • The Arjun Mk. 1A is an entirely different beast in terms of play-style. It features heavy armor to include Composites, NERA, and ERA at the cost of speed as well as electronic modifications such as LWS and IR Jammers. It would play actually a bit similar to the Challenger 2-series, being a bit slower but lacking a lot of armor and a heavy punch with its unique selection of APFSDS-T, HESH, GL-ATGM, and HE-variants. Its best round, the FSAPDS MK-II, is capable of penetrating over 500mm of RHA at ranges of 2km. The ERA would also be capable of stopping, or absorbing both KE and CE-based munitions. Lastly, the vehicle has access to 3rd-generation thermal imagers.
    • Both vehicles would likely be placed after the Vickers Mk. 7 or TTD in the tree.
  • Estimated BR:
    • Arjun Mk. 1: 10.3-10.7
    • Arjun Mk. 1A: 11.7
• Sources:
  • https://web.archive.org/web/20110809042539/http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2011/tf_june2011.pdf
  • https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/defence-ministry-arjun-mark-1a-battle-tank-significance-explained-7531432/
  • https://www.army-technology.com/news/india-arjun-mk-1a-main-battle-tanks/
  • https://www.armyrecognition.com/india_indian_army_tanks_heavy_armoured_vehicles_uk/arjun_mk_1a_mk_ii_2_main_battle_tank_technical_data_pictures_video.html
  • https://www.armyrecognition.com/india_indian_army_tanks_heavy_armoured_vehicles_uk/arjun_mk-i_mbt_main_battle_tank_technical_data_pictures.html
  • https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/indias-indigenously-designed-arjun-mk-1a-clears-trials-ready-to-go-into-production.645462/
  • https://www.mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR1112.pdf
  • https://www.mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR1617.pdf
  • ARJUN - MAIN BATTLE TANK | Ordnance Factory Board | Government of India
  • http://www.military-today.com/tanks/arjun_mk2.htm
  • DRDO Arjun Main Battle Tank (2006)
  • India’s Indigenous Tank Engine for Arjun MBTs Will require Cross Country Mobility Trials  – Indian Defence Research Wing
  • https://www.defencexp.com/arjun-tank-a-journey-of-indias-main-battle-tank/
  • https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/explosive-reactive-armour-era
  • https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/120-mm-penetration-cum-blast-pcb-and-thermobaric-tb-ammunition-mbt-arjun
  • India's Arjun Mk.2 Tank Revealed - Livefist
  • Arjun Main Battle Tank (Mk-1 & Mk-2) | Strategic Front Forum - Indian Defence and Strategic Forum
  • Indian Army Gears Up for Arjun Mk 1A: First Deliveries Set for September 2024 – Indian Defence Research Wing
  • ICPS for MBT ARJUN MK I A - BEL
  • AGMS for MBT ARJUN MK I A - BEL
  • Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) - BEL
  • Tank & Armoured Fighting Vehicle Electronic Systems Archives - BEL
  • 89 improvements to India's Arjun MK1A tank, incl auto-tracking
  • Defexpo 2022: India unveils Arjun Mk-1A MBT
  • You are being redirected...
  • Indian Army to Upgrade 1,400 T-72 M1 Tanks with Advanced Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) Mk-II – Indian Defence Research Wing
  • https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/era-mk-ii-ngera
  • Arjun Tank - alphadefense.in
  • Armored Failures – Part 1: Arjun | Armored Warfare - Official Website
  • In Development: Arjun Mk.1A | Armored Warfare - Official Website
  • CVRDE has Plans for Arjun Mark II and Mark III – Indian Defence Research Wing
  • India’s Indigenous Laser-Guided ATGM Completes Development to be armed on MBT Arjun – Indian Defence Research Wing

Imagery/Media

Arjun Mk. 1

Spoiler

Early development of the Arjun main battle tank.

Side views of the Arjun Mk. 1 Main Battle Tank.

An Arjun Mk. 1 firing a GL-ATGM.

An Arjun Mk.1 during exercises.

An Arjun Mk. 1 on display.

Other views of the Arjun Mk. 1.

The Arjun Mk. 1’s tank commander station with gunner’s station below.

The 1,400hp MTU MB 838 Ka-501 V10 Turbocharged Diesel Engine in the Arjun Mk. 1.

https://youtu.be/2ald_CxPdHM?si=j2kCgMJB8PJHJ_hF

Documentary of the Arjun Mk. 1 tank.

https://youtu.be/dCldtkgdC0I?si=7rNTpXtoNic8bXjY

A video of the Arjun Mk. 1 main battle tank during a test drive.

https://youtu.be/2R_hJLm_frQ?si=8IATXiQ3P2BE44i1

The Arjun Mk. 1 firing its SAMHO GL-ATGM.

Artists representation of the Arjun Mk. 1.

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Arjun Mk. 1A

Spoiler

Arjun Mk. 1A during maneuvers.

Views of the Arjun Mk. 1A.

Different components of the vehicle specified by Janes Armored Vehicles.

Closeup of the Mk. 1A’s turret and UFP.

Optics of the Arjun Mk.1A.

Writeup of the AGMS.

Components of the AGMS.

ICPS of the Arjun Mk. 1A.

Writeup of the ICPS.

Components of the ICPS.

RCWS and Elbit System’s IR/LWS Receiver of the Mk. 1A.

Writeup for the RCWS.

Advanced Laser Warning Countermeasure System (ALWCS) receivers and rotatable 81mm Smoke Launchers.

The new 1,500hp DRDO DATRAN V12 Turbocharged Diesel Engine.

A write up of the Arjun Mk. 1A.

Cutout of the Arjun Mk. 1A.

https://youtu.be/8QyVGydip1g?si=57feqQ3isjkt7QFV

Video covering the Arjun Mk. 1A.

Artists representation of the Arjun Mk. 1A.

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Ammunition and Misc.

Spoiler

Ammunition of the Arjun.

The FSAPDS Mk-I round description.

The FSAPDS Mk-II round description.

The SAMHO GL-ATGM and its testing at the range.

The SAMHO GL-ATGM.

Specifications of the PCB round.

Testing of the PCB round.

Layout of the suspension, to include new composite road-wheels and brakes.

[Yontzee]

I foresee the Arjun Mk. 1 being after the Vickers Mk. 7 and following that is the Arjun Mk .1A

[Kingtiez]

1+, a interesting vehicle with a sus shell name, I suppose as apart of Britain?

[Yontzee]

Lol yeah, but likely part of Britain yes based on the T-90S.

[Headnaught]

@Yontzee

I foresee the Arjun Mk. 1 being after the Vickers Mk. 7 and following that is the Arjun Mk .1A

That would assume the Arjun is superior to the Mk.7, which if contemporary reports and retrospectives are to be believed, it most certainly is not. The Mk.1A, maybe. The CR2E would have been a good cap to that line but that ship has clearly sailed, my best options for vehicles following the Mk.7 are the Mk.7/2 (even though it would basically be the same), EE-T2 Osorio (provided it had a really good round as it’s worse by most other regards), or Royal Ordnance RO2004, whose chances of being added are slim at best.

[Yontzee]

The Arjun isn’t a bad tank. The problem is development delays and everything pushed it into the next-era of main battle tanks. It’s just outdated. Had it come out back when it should have it would’ve been a solid tank. As for in-game if it’s given it’s wide array of munitions it will probably be the exact BR as the Mk. 7. The Arjun Mk1A will probably be 11.0.

[Jarms]

Personally I would have preferred this as the British Squadron vehicle over the T-90.

Then have the Mk. 1A in the tech-tree.

[israelinoam333]

Tha Arjuns should be in the Israeli tech-tree. It was developed with Israel, and upgraded by Israel. Giving Indian tanks that are not related to Britain into the British tech-tree is stupid. India is related to Israel and Russia, so I suggest giving Indian tanks that were made by Russia to the Soviet tech-tree, and Indian tanks that were upgraded/developed/made in Israel to the Israeli tech-tree.

[Hartsy1]

yeh why not XD +1

[Raiden_Black]

Arjun Mk.1A/II upgrade was consulted with Israel … not the base tank I think.
And If Israel and India connection were to be established in War Thunder, then the T-90 Bhishma would’ve faired better in Israeli techtree, bringing in more variety there, than in British tech tree.
But its pretty clear Gaijin has other plans for Indian vehicles with giving Britain the Bhishma

[Raiden_Black]

Just a reminder, even though both British and Indian main guns are rifled 120mm
the British main gun is derivative of the M103/Conqueror’s design, still using two part ammo,
whereas the Indian gun is likely an upscaled 105mm L7, using unique single piece 120mm ammo.

[dotSHINI]

@israelinoam333

Tha Arjuns should be in the Israeli tech-tree. It was developed with Israel,

the standard Arjun was developed together with germany KMW to be specific, not israel just saying

[Miraz05]

Earliest Arjun prototype should be added to Germany

[CMOT4356]

I say the should add both at the same Time. I also prefer the Mk 1A over the Mk1

[SuTa_basuto]

need it to save British toptier tank

[Yontzee]

Testing of GL-ATGM’s from the Arjun main battle tank.

[Yontzee]

Arjun Mk. 1A Upgrades

• The Arjun Mk. 1A is going through an upgrade program right now to provide the vehicle with an indigenous 1,500hp engine due to several delays of acquiring more German-made 1,400hp MTU MB 838 Ka-501 liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel engine. This engine, the Datran 1,500, was tested successfully and will go through a series of trials.
• This Arjun Mk. 1A has came a long way and features quite a few upgrades that will make it competitive in-game. The vehicle fires modern APFSDS-T rounds, has GL-ATGM’s, modern composite armor, both NERA and ERA, blowout panels, and powerful sights. With the new 1,500hp engine, the vehicle will feature a much needed increase in mobility due to its heavy weight.
• I expect both the Arjun Mk. 1 and Arjun Mk. 1A to be added either after the Vickers Mk. 7, or after the South African TTD. I am curious about the implementation of Indian vehicles as a whole in the UK tree. There’s so many so it’s going to be quite difficult to add all of them on top of all the existing missing British and South African vehicles.
• I will be doing some suggestion update/edits soon.

https://idrw.org/indias-indigenous-tank-engine-for-arjun-mbts-will-require-cross-country-mobility-trials/

[Silesian_Lynx]

Yes but not as a premium tank

[Yontzee]

Agreed. Both vehicles are research tree worthy but I suspect they’ll make the Mk. 1 a premium and the Mk. 1A researchable.

• Edit: Updated the BR’s in the suggestion.
  • Estimated BR (Realistic):
    • Arjun Mk. 1: 10.3-10.7
    • Arjun Mk. 1A: 11.7

[Yontzee]

• Mass updates:
  • Complete rework of the suggestions image section to include videos, an interior image, and a documentary.
  • Updated the suggestion to include the new engine and the development of new active protection systems.
  • Explosive Reactive Armor MK-II coverage has been specified, the armor is on the UFP and side quarters (similarly to the T-90S Bhishma).
  • Ammunition has also been updated at the bottom. Sources have been listed.
  • I do need some help if anyone is able to find anything on these items:
    • Information for the Arjun Mk. 1’s Driver, Gunner, and Commander’s Sights.
    • Information on the Arjun Mk. 1A’s Driver’s Sight/Camera, supposedly it’s a 3rd-generation camera system.
• This vehicle is actually a pretty damn advanced main battle tank, it just gets a lot of hate because the Mk.1 came out a little late due to bureaucracy. Come check it out! Thanks.

Arjun Tank Mark1 Documentary

Documentary video of the Mk. 1.