Arjun Mark 2 latest generation of Indian tank in live demonstration at DefExpo 2018


The Arjun Mark 2, the latest generation of Indian-made main battle tank (MBT) in the Arjun tank family, in live demonstration at DefExpo 2018, the Defense and Security Exhibition in Chennai, India. The Arjun Mark 2 (Mk II) is an improved version of the previous Arjun main battle tank, which was unveiled for the first time to the public in 2014, during a defense exhibition in New Delhi.


Arjun Mark 2 latest generation of Indian tank in live demonstration at DefExpo 2018 925 002
The Arjun Mark 2 main battle tank in live demonstration at DefExpo 2018, the Defense and Security Exhibition in Chennai, India. (Picture source Army Recognition)


The Arjun Mk-2 is a new generation of main battle tank (MBT) designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India. The Arjun Mk II was unveiled for the first time to the public during a military parade for the National Day in New Delhi on 26 January, 2014.

The main armament of the Arjun Mk II main battle tank consists of one 120mm rifled gun fitted with a thermal sleeve, fume extractor, and a muzzle reference system. The gun is able to fire a full range of ammunitions including FSAPDS (Fin Stabilized Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot), HESH (High-Explosive Squash Head), PCB, TB and the Israeli LAser Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) missile. LAser Homing Attack Missile, or LAHAT, is an advanced missile developed and manufactured by the MBT Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The front part of the chassis and the turret are fitted with an integrated explosive reactive armor (ERA) system. The all-round protection has been enhanced with improved KANCHAN armour, a modular composite armour developed by India. It has been described as being made by sandwiching composite panels between Rolled homogeneous armour (RHA). This armour is able to defeat APDS and HEAT rounds and is believed to withstand APFSDS.

The Arjun MK II is motorized with a German 10 cylinder, V-90 turbo charged, charge cooled, water cooled diesel engine developing 1030 kW at 2,400 rpm. The Arjun Mk II is equipped with epicyclic transmission with hydrodynamic torque converter, mechanical lock up clutch and hydrodynamic retarder with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. The tank can run at maximum road speed of 58 km/h and 40 km/h in cross country with a maximum cruising range of 500 km.

The Arjun Mk II is fitted with a computerized day/thermal fire control system and a new panoramic sighting system for the commander is mounted right side of the turret roof. The system includes a laser range finder and has hunter-killer capability. The gunner sight is fitted with an automatic target tracker which greatly enhances the speed and accurate target engagement capability of the tank.


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