The Hindu Business Line : Main battle tank Arjun rolls out

THE indigenously designed and built, main battle tank (MBT) `Arjun' rolled out of the Heavy Vehicle Factory at Avadi on Saturday. This marks a milestone in India's self-reliance in defence equipment, according to officials.

The Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, formally handed over five Arjuns to the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. N.C. Vij.

Addressing the rollout function, Mr Mukherjee said that India has demonstrated its capability in science and technology, management and defence preparedness. But the Government cannot go it alone in this endeavour; there is a need for public-private partnerships with the involvement of scientists, technologists and the industry.

The private sector has to take an active role in defence projects. Industry can complement the limited resources available to the Government and discharge its responsibility to the nation, he said.

The Defence Ministry needs the production and planning skills available with the private sector and the Ministry would support the industry.

India does not have any ambitions of expanding its territory but it was also equally determined not to "secede even 1mm of land." It has been a victim of the worst type of cross-border terrorism - the biggest threat to international peace and security - with more than 70,000 civilians and defence personnel having lost their lives.

Gen. Vij said that the five MBTs would now be put through their paces, and once cleared, the HVF at Avadi would get further orders. "It is a dream come true. If a couple of regiments could be equipped with Arjun, then it would be great," he said.

An MBT, in defence parlance, is distinguished by its heavy armour and armament. The 58-tonne Arjun is clad in newly developed lightweight composite Kanchan armour, and its primary armament is a 120-mm rifled gun. The fire control systems are computer controlled and the tank is capable of operating at night too. It is also equipped with 7.62-mm machine gun and a 12.7-mm anti-aircraft machine gun. The army has placed orders for about 120 more MBT Arjuns.