Army rejects joint assessment of Arjun

New Delhi: The Indian Army has rejected a joint assessment of main battle tank Arjun with the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

The army has also disagreed to compare the tank with T-90 main battle tanks (MBT), which it currently uses. "Following the army's adverse report on the tanks after winter trials last year, the Defence Research and Development Organisation [DRDO] had suggested a joint assessment be conducted but the army refused this outright," a defence ministry official said.

The Indian Army has made it clear that it will buy no more than the 124 Arjuns it has agreed on because it is unhappy with the tank. Arjun can at best remain in service for 5 to 10 years, according to the Army, while it is looking 20 years ahead and needs a futuristic main battle tank.

The army had told a key parliamentary panel earlier this year that the Arjun, which has been in development for the last 36 years, failed to deliver at the winter trials conducted in Rajasthan desert last year. It said that many improvements would have to be carried out before it was satisfied with the tank.

Fourteen Arjun tanks were handed over to the Indian Army for user trials last year but were returned to the manufacturer - the Combat Vehicles Development Establishment - with a list of defects.

Defects

These included a deficient engine and fire control system, inaccuracy of its guns, low speeds in tactical areas - principally the desert - and the tank's inability to operate in temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius.

Allegations of "sabotage" had surfaced after the winter trials. "Following these reports, the DRDO sought a joint trial of Arjun and the T-90, but the army has not taken a clear stand on this," the official said.

"The Arjun costs Rs168 million [Dh14 million) while the T-90 costs around Rs120 million. But the Arjun compares favourably with contemporary western MBTs of its class that cost in the range of Rs170 to 240 million," a DRDO official said.