India opts for T-90 instead of Arjun

India opts for T-90 instead of Arjun, which is made in India by DRDO. India had ordered 354 new T-90MS tanks worth Rs. 10,000 crore. Now the question arises that if India has its own tank called Arjun, then why India is buying T-90MS tank which is a Russian tank. Ministry of Defense gives the excuse that Arjun was made only for area’s where temperature is high like Rajasthan.

DRDO who made Arjun had proposed the trial of Arjun in Punjab but the rumour is that Military Operation Director refused the proposal saying that it’s heavy for soft soil of Punjab. Indian Army denies that MO Director is blocking Arjun trails.

DRDO and regiments that operates Arjun denied the logic given. As per DRDO’s Chief Controller of R&D for armored vehicles, Arjun is heavy because of its large track and the nominal ground pressure of Arjun is less that T-90.

History had also validated that heavier tank performed well in the war. In 1971 war 51 tonne Indian Centurion tanks moved easily on Punjab soft soil while 48 tonne Pakistani Patton M-48 tanks got stuck.

In many comparative trials held by army Arjun defeated T-90, then also army stands with T-90. It is not clear why army supports T-90, but rumours are that this is all because of politics.

Total 128 Arjun tank are in service. T-90MS tanks will be given to 6 tank regiments. They will operate on China border. Regiment will be divided in two armored brigades, one in Ladakh and other one in north-east.