My friend, we want many things in life, but resources are limited
Well, if I am not mistaken - the Arjun is a heavy tank unlike the T-90. Are you implying that the Arjun is not enough to get the job done?
What exactly is this 'future MBT' have in mind to differentiate it from the current Arjun?
You know, the M1 Abrams and the Merkava had been around for decades, and still going strong. There's the M1A2, Merkava Mk. 4 and there are even rumors of an M1A3. Those bad boys have plenty of spirit and fight in them.
And this is done through continuous R&D and upgrades to the same platform. They never redesigned another tank from scratch - it'd be a waste of money. Rather, it's better to continually improve the existing design as per future battlefield scenarios.
Do you know how much money is involved in designing a tank from scratch, testing and putting them into production? It's a lot of money and complexity.
After all the time-consuming, hard work and money spent behind the Arjun, why do you guys want to design another tank? It makes no sense unless the Arjun is a complete failure.
---------- Post added at 03:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:26 PM ----------
Oh wait, the source is a blog! "><
First of All this is a Blog by Ajai Shukla ! He is just Asking for Ideas How Indian Proposed FMBT should be
Now with changing Warfare Scenario , CVRDE have Proposed to field a Completely New Tank Post 2020 that will be according to future Requirement's and Characteristics which were Not Integrated In Arjun Mk2
The Arjun Mk2 is Upgraded to a Lot of Extent , It has Some 90 Upgrades than Current Inducted Arjun Platform !
The Plan is Once T-72's are Phased Out , We need a New Platform Which can meet The Requirements Post 2020
This are Some of Requirement's By Army that Should be Integrated in FMBT.Though the Requirements may change [Our Army is well Known for That] but These are Some Requirements -
1.Explosive Reactive Armour which can Provide effective Protection from Various Projectiles and Missile Warheads
2.1800 Horse Power Indigenous engine.
3.Further They are Looking for a Hybrid Engine Technology where Tank will have 2 Engine - one for Low Power Need and One for High Power which can Lead to efficient Utilization of fuel.
4.Some stealth Characteristics should be Integrated - Paint or Material which can Limit the detection of Tank by Visibility or Infrared sensors.
5.Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system
6.A secure Data Transmission and Audio/video Communication System
7.Infrared detectors, laser warning, radar warning Systems
8.Signature Management Measures should be carried out During Designing the tank,Which can Add to Stealth features along Camo.
9.The IR,Laser Warning and Radar Warning Systems should Discriminate Between Friend and foe and Whether the Weapon Threatening the tank is Missile,Rocket or Other projectiles.
10.The High/Medium Level Laser Kill System
11.120 mm Smoothbore Gun
12.A 50 Tonne Tank
13.R&D for active suspension to replace hydro-pneumatic suspensions
To Add Some More points as you were talking About Upgrade to Existing Arjun Platform ! the one setback of Arjun is ,it was too heavy which Effect its maneuverability in Difficult Terrains since Our Army will be Operating this Tanks in Deserts and Snow Clad Mountaineous Regions !It can Be Easily detected By Sensors Due to its Design.Thus the need for a Completely New Design Platform - A Lighter and more Lethal Platform for future Warfare scenario
EDIT : and I Know that Tank Designing and R&D , It is a Complicated Process and Needs Resources , I am a Gonna be Engineer !