India’s Arjun tank could go unmanned
India is proposing to turn the Arjun Mk 1A main battle tank into an unmanned ground combat vehicle for the Indian Army. (Gordon Arthur)
The Indian military is seeking to develop a broader range of unmanned ground vehicles, including one based on a main battle tank.
The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, an arm of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has proposed a development programme for an uncrewed ground combat vehicle based on the Arjun Mk 1A tank.
This move follows the Indian Army’s demand for autonomous platforms, where UGVs can generate a tactical and strategic edge.
The upgraded Arjun Mk 1A variant was chosen as the foundational platform for its ‘decisive role in the frontline of the battlefield’, explained the DRDO in its technical publication. On 23 September 2021, the Indian Army ordered 118 Arjun Mk IA tanks.
This DRDO project comprises design,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
-
![The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre]()
The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre
Faking aircraft, yanks and vehicles has a storied history through the previous century but there are others uses for inflatable systems such as more detailed and classified military equipment and training structures.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems]()
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.
-
![Company formed to lead Franco-German main battle tank replacement]()
Company formed to lead Franco-German main battle tank replacement
Launched at the initiative of the French and German governments, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project aims to replace the German Leopard 2 and French Leclerc main battle tanks with a multi-platform ground combat system by 2040.
-
![British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system]()
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
