India’s armored corps has been invariably a balanced blend of Soviet-era T-72s, Russia-produced T-90s, and its own home-grown Arjun Main Battle Tank. The Arjun, especially the Mk 1A variant, represents India’s aspiration to join the elite club of nations that are capable of designing and manufacturing their main battle tanks. But at a cost that has been long and arduous.
The latest stumbling block is a significant one: a holdup getting engines from Germany’s MTU. MTU MB 838 Ka-501 V10 engines for the 118 Arjun Mk 1A tanks the Indian Army has committed to buying are at least four years away from production. That keeps the Army waiting around—and puts India in a rush to develop its engine.
The plan is to put 20 of them through tough trials before going for full-scale integration, not just for the Arjun but even future platforms like the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV). Designed to withstand rough conditions, the DATRAN features self-cleaning filters, advanced Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi), and can operate at up to 5,000 meters altitude and -45°C to +55°C temperatures.
However, substituting the German engine is not a straightforward exchange. Arjun’s engine compartment was designed for the small, U-shaped MTU, so it will take approximately two years to redesign for the larger DATRAN.
The Arjun itself is guided by Western tank design philosophy—thick armor and large guns—and has resulted in a vehicle that tips the scales at more than 68 tons, earning it a place as one of the world’s heaviest MBTs. Its Kanchan composite armor and MK-II Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) are capable of defeating next-generation APFSDS rounds, but all that protection comes with a price tag in terms of mobility and transportability.
That weight has been a major issue. Indian bridges, particularly in Punjab, are only able to support a load of about 50 tons, which means it is practically impossible to drive the Arjun through most of the country.
Its broad tracks serve to distribute the weight, but at a Nominal Ground Pressure of 0.85 kg/cm², its cross-country mobility is not much improved. Such issues have mostly kept the tank in the deserts of Rajasthan, where the infrastructure and open spaces support its capabilities better.
Those lessons are informing the FRCV program, India’s projected next-generation tank. The Army desires a four-person crew, an autoloader, active protection systems, drone integration, and heavy armor, under 55 tons. Achieving that with less is a delicate balancing act.
Despite its issues, the Arjun has redeemed itself. In head-to-head comparisons, it even outdid the Russian T-90, proving India can design a competitive tank.
New Delhi is currently selling the Arjun to African buyers, positioning it as a cheaper alternative than Russian armor, with shifting geopolitics opening up doors for new markets. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s target of exporting $5 billion worth of defense equipment at DefExpo 2020, with the Arjun forming a key highlight.
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