More firepower to Army: Govt orders 118 battle tanks worth ₹7,500 crore

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.

Also watch| 'Bring them back': In a first, top Army brass interact with families of Kashmir militants

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.