Defence Ministry places supply order worth Rs. 7,523 crore for 118 main battle tanks

"The order, worth Rs 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence sector and is a big step towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," a Defence Ministry statement said.

It may be recalled that the Prime Minister had handed over the MBT Arjun Mk-1A to Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane in Chennai on Feb 14.

The MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun Tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability.

Infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant, the tank would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.

It has been designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by incorporating numerous upgrades on Arjun MBT, the in-service main battle tank with the Indian Army.

It can take on the enemy during day and night conditions and in both static as well as dynamic modes.

This production order to HVF, Avadi opens up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian vendors including MSMEs, with employment opportunities to around 8,000 people, the statement claimed.

This will be a flagship project showcasing the indigenous capability in cutting edge defence technologies.