Indian MoD Reports Steps Toward New Tank

Requirements for the Indian Army's Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) have been finalized, the Defence Ministry here announced Dec. 6, and the tank will be developed by the government's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) by 2020.

The Army has completed its Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirement for the tank, according to the ministry's official statement. The DRDO is carrying out FMBT feasibility studies. Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the Indian parliament of these developments Dec. 6, the statement said.

Sources in the Indian Army said the proposed tank will be in the 40-metric-tons category and will be mounted with a 125mm gun. Six prototypes will be developed by 2020 before the FMBT enters bulk production.

The tank will be difficult to detect by enemy radar, according to the Army's requirements.

Other advanced features will include capability to fire kinetic weapons and missiles, an active protection system, and hybrid armor to protect the tank against improvised explosive devices. The tank will be capable of night combat operations, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strategic mobility. It will have a third-generation transmission system, integrated fire-control system with laser finders, battlefield management system and mine-detection system.

The FMBT project is a follow-up of the Indian-built Arjun main battle tank project, which started in 1973, though the tank has yet to be adopted by the Army for combat.