The DRDO, meanwhile, is working overtime to sweeten the deal. S Sundaresh, the DRDOs Chief Controller for Armaments and Combat Engineering, has told Business Standard, that all Arjuns now ordered will fire anti-tank guided missiles through the tanks main gun; provide extra protection for the tanks crew through explosive reactive armour, or ERA; be fitted with thermal imaging panoramic sights that allow the Arjuns commander to scan his surroundings even by night; and incorporate at least seven other improvements over the current Arjuns.
We had test-fired the Israeli LAHAT missile through the Arjun gun as far back as in 2005, pointed out Sundaresh. It will take us about six months to integrate the LAHATs designator into the Arjuns fire control system.
The addition of two tonnes of ERA will increase the weight of the Arjun to just over 60 tonnes, making it one of the worlds heaviest tanks. But, the DRDO claims that its powerful 1,500-Horse Power engine easily handles the extra weight.