Acquisition of Arjun Main Battle Tank MK-1A Approved
Recently the Defense Acquisition Council has approved the acquisition of Arjun MK-1A tanks.
Arjun MK-1A:
- The Arjun Main Battle Tank MK-1A has been developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
- About two and a half years ago a contract was signed with the Army by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), to cater to the new versions of the Arjun tank.
- Arjun Mark-1A is equipped with modern technology. It features superior firepower, high maneuverability and excellent security. It is also included in contemporary main battle tanks.
- It has been developed for self-sufficiency of the country in Armored Fighting Vehicle Capability.
- It is noteworthy that the Indian Army is already using several tanks of Arjuna category. The current Arjun tank is an upgraded version from the previous and is more upgraded and more destructive than the earlier version.
Defense Acquisition Council:
- It was formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).
- The purpose of DAC is to execute the purchase of equipment required by the Army within the time limit. For this, it makes optimal use of the allocation made in the budget. It should be noted that the government arranges funds from time to time to increase the power of the army.
- The Defence Acquisition Council is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.
- DAC provides policy guidance for acquisitions. This acquisition is based on a long-term purchase plan. These acquisitions may relate to both imported and indigenous defense materials.
Source –PIB
