Operational history[edit]

A 2016 Comptroller and Auditor General of India report said that Arjun tanks have not been
operational since 2013 due to a lack of spares.[94]
In 2017 it was reported that the DRDO had received the necessary imported spares to repair the
faults that had grounded 75% of the fleet.[95]

Variants[edit]

 Arjun Mk.1A: A 68 tonne improved variant of Arjun Mark 1, specifically requested by the Indian
Army for better fire power, protection, improved weight distribution and mobility. Some of the
major upgrades are Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), improved Gunner's Main Sight
(GMS) integrated with Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) which are all connected to a
computerized fire control system enhancing the first round kill capability that guarantees
accurate engagement even under adverse conditions, panoramic sight (CPS Mark II) integrated
uncooled thermal imager and night vision camera with binocular sights, laser rangefinder for an
advanced hunter killer capability, Track Width Mine Plough (TWMP), Containerized Ammunition
Bin with Individual Shutter (CABIS), Laser Warning and Countermeasure System (LWCMS),
anti-infrared / anti-thermal imaging paints, advanced land navigation system, more powerful 8.5
kW capacity Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and an enhanced communication system capable of
real-time data transmission. The hull and turret of Arjun Mk.1A have been modified to give a
lower silhouette making detection more difficult, while it also supports the newly
developed Thermo-Baric (TB) and Penetration-cum-Blast (PCB) ammunition. DRDO developed
cannon launched guided missile that will replace the LAHAT will be integrated with Arjun Mk.1A
after they start rolling out from the production line. To improve mobility due to additional increase
in weight, an Advanced Running Gear System (ARGS) has been developed where
the hydropneumatic suspension system is completely redesigned to enhance agility. The
number of foreign made imported components are also reduced from 63 percent to 59
percent.[96][93]
 Bhim SPH: A 155 mm self-propelled howitzer variant of the Arjun has been prototyped by fitting
the South African Denel T6 turret, which comes with the G5 howitzer to the Arjun chassis. This
project has been delayed as Denel has become embroiled in a corruption scandal in India, and
hence the Indian Ministry of Defence has suspended the Bhim.
 130 mm Catapult: The Indian Army wants to place the 130 mm catapult system on Arjun
chassis. The trials were successfully concluded and it also found that the new system fared
better than the M-46 Catapult on the Vijayata chassis in terms of mobility and the ability to
absorb shocks during firing charged rounds. The system is also fitted with night vision systems
and fire suppression systems available on the Arjun. An order of 40 systems will be placed by
the Indian Army.[97][98]

Model of Bridge Layer Tank (BLT) based on Arjun chassis.

 Bridge Layer Tank (BLT) based on the Arjun chassis has also been displayed by the
DRDO.[99] Developed in cooperation with Indian industry, this bridge layer is deemed superior to
the T-72 based units, as it can handle a larger load and uses a "scissors type" bridgelaying
method, which does not raise the bridge high up into the air, and hence make it visible from afar.
The R&DE(E) did this by replacing the tank's gun and turret with the bridge launcher. The bridge
is cantilevered over chasms or across rivers to cover a distance of 26 m with a width of 4 m. The
BLT-Arjun carries two-halves of a bridge. At a wet or dry gap, the launcher slides the two parts
and docks them to each other in such a way that the far end of the second half touches the other
bank. The BLT then crosses the bridge, turns around, retrieves the bridge after undocking its
two-halves, folds it and is ready to move with the armoured column.[100]

 Armoured Engineering Vehicle (AEV) based on the Arjun are also assumed to be in
development, as the Arjun induction will require units of a similar power-to-weight ratio or
powerful enough to tow it, or recover it on the battlefield.[101]
 Tank EX: Prototypes have been built for a new tank obtained by coupling a T-72 chassis and an
Arjun turret.