India's Arjun (Lion) Mk II main battle tank will cost US$8.02 million per unit, defence minister AK Antony has told his nation's parliament. The French ADIT agency notes this makes the indigenous Indian design the world's most expensive tank to date.
By comparison, a new Abrams M1A2 cost the US$6.2 million in 1999. Indian media last week reported the first batch of Arjun Mk II's are likely to enter series production by 2015. Development of the Arjun reportedly started in 1972 with a production decision following in 1996 and a production order for 124, costing US$471.2 million, placed on the Indian Ordinance Factory's production facility at Avadi in 2000.
The first 45 58.5 metric ton (mt) tanks were delivered to the Indian Army between August 2004 and May 2009. A further 55 followed by June this year. The original design relied heavily on foreign components and technology, with close to 50% of the tank's components initially imported. Much of this has since been replaced by indigenous systems, including a 120mm main gun. After extensive field evaluations and tests, the tank entered service with the 75th Armoured Regiment on May 12.
The automotive trials, in 1988-1989, revealed major deficiencies in mobility, engine, and transmission. Further mobility and armament trials followed in 1996 and 1997. The Army reportedly found the performance of the prototypes “below the acceptable standards” and listed as deficiencies the accuracy of the gun at battle ranges, mission reliability, ammunition lethality, emergency traverse and a fire control system unable to function in temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius.
Anthony added the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved an order for 124 more Arjun, albeit in the 55mt Mk II guise. This features 93 upgrades, including 13 major improvements over the Mk1.
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