In a major move to boost India's combat capabilities, the Defence Ministry on Thursday sealed a contract to procure 118 Main Battle Tanks Arjun for the Indian Army at a cost of ₹ 7,523 crore.
The defence ministry placed the order for the Arjun Mk-1A tanks with the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Chennai.
The MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun Tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability, infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant
"The order, worth ₹ 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ''Make in India'' initiative in defence sector and is a big step towards achieving ''Aatmanirbhar Bharat''," the ministry said in a statement.
It added that the tanks would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.
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The tank has been designed and developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by incorporating numerous upgrades on Arjun MBT, the in-service main battle tank with the Indian Army.