FRCV is separate. DRDO is gonna offer NGMBT for FRCV, it is being developed based on an old PSQR.
FRCV is separate. DRDO is gonna offer NGMBT for FRCV, it is being developed based on an old PSQR.
A old news i came across , thought belongs to this thread . DRDO had to install a black box like instrument after sabotage to the engine of the Arjun tank during winter trial was suspected . This is our own product to be manufactured by our own industry and being tested by our own army . Some things just happen in india 
Sabotage suspected in Arjun tank engine
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has installed a black box-like instrument in the indigenous main battle tank (MBT) Arjun
www.dnaindia.com
There is again talk of Arjun MkII , because DRDO Dr Kamat sir interview.
The thing is, there was evidence of this in one of the indigenisation lists, 3rd one. Now there are 2 types of Indigenisation list. One is for the subsystems/LRUs which is given to the DPSUs, another is platform centric. You can see both types 3rd list below with clear difference.
https://www.mod.gov.in/dod/sites/default/files/3pIl.pdf
Arjun MkII was mentioned in that first link. Given Arjun tanks run on MTU powerpack, this plan of fitting a 1500HP powerpack, and other changes suggest MkII is mainly improvement effort over batches, and possibly MkIII is also going to happen in future. So all these versions are likely indigenised LRU fitting process where % of indi content gradually goes up, hopefully one APS will also be there. Sort of a phased indigenisation maybe.That track system is definitely in the work, there was a contract awarded last year for analysing rubber content, post which track system will be upgraded.
On other hand, saw a reference to NGMBT in one ARDE director achievement list who was director there till 2022 then retired, which suggests he oversaw the ammo project while he was there between 2019-22. Now up to CVRDE I guess. The Light tank project must have shifted priority.
The thing is, there was evidence of this in one of the indigenisation lists, 3rd one. Now there are 2 types of Indigenisation list. One is for the subsystems/LRUs which is given to the DPSUs, another is platform centric. You can see both types 3rd list below with clear difference.
https://www.mod.gov.in/dod/sites/default/files/3pIl.pdf
Arjun MkII was mentioned in that first link. Given Arjun tanks run on MTU powerpack, this plan of fitting a 1500HP powerpack, and other changes suggest MkII is mainly improvement effort over batches, and possibly MkIII is also going to happen in future. So all these versions are likely indigenised LRU fitting process where % of indi content gradually goes up, hopefully one APS will also be there. Sort of a phased indigenisation maybe.That track system is definitely in the work, there was a contract awarded last year for analysing rubber content, post which track system will be upgraded.
On other hand, saw a reference to NGMBT in one ARDE director achievement list who was director there till 2022 then retired, which suggests he oversaw the ammo project while he was there between 2019-22. Now up to CVRDE I guess. The Light tank project must have shifted priority.
A few months back LRDE issued an RFI for the 'Radar for Active Protection System'. It seems like TBRL, CVRDE etc are also involved in the APS project.
Tender document showed these photos:
The tank turret in the tender photo looks like the NG-MBT turret design:
So, APS will probably be deployed on the upcoming NGMBT first. TBRL is developing the hard-kill cartridge for the APS. LDRE is making the radar & CVRDE is making the tank. Why develop an APS for an upcoming platform like NGMBT & existing platforms like Arjun Nk1 or Mk1A ? Maybe there are some design/space constraints on the current tanks.
Anyway. today LRDE issued another tender. This time for the ‘Ballistic Protected Enclose with Radomes’ for the X-Band radars of DRDO’s APS.
Tender document showed these photos:
The tank turret in the tender photo looks like the NG-MBT turret design:
So, APS will probably be deployed on the upcoming NGMBT first. TBRL is developing the hard-kill cartridge for the APS. LDRE is making the radar & CVRDE is making the tank. Why develop an APS for an upcoming platform like NGMBT & existing platforms like Arjun Nk1 or Mk1A ? Maybe there are some design/space constraints on the current tanks.
Anyway. today LRDE issued another tender. This time for the ‘Ballistic Protected Enclose with Radomes’ for the X-Band radars of DRDO’s APS.
Yeah remember seeing that tender.
HEMRL also has a tender this week, which could be related to APS, the hard kill grenades pack?
HEMRL also has a tender this week, which could be related to APS, the hard kill grenades pack?
We need them in the Rajasthan front, to cater to PA's VT-4 purchase. Plus to protect the new theater command in Jaipur.
They call it Arjun, but it's a whole new design. It should actually get a new name.
It will feature armor capsule, autoloader, unmanned turret, UAV, APS etc. CDR was expected to happen this year, but may happen the next year. A prototype will be out within 3 years after that. Hence ready for production by 2030. It will be offered for the FRCV too.
There are 3 names - Arjun MK-2, Arjun MK-3 and NGMBT. It is so confusing. Anyone care to explain and simplify?
Also, Azad from other forum told me to ask you about the whereabouts of Lonewarrior. Kya Gangadhar hi Shaktiman hai?
Just my thought, Arjun MkII/III are probably upgraded Arjun line, likely with indigenous LRU of several imported systems. Arjun itself is a custom built system with a high import content and lots of systems of choice taken from foreign OEM & fit in. It also needs gradual timely upgrade to make it relevant for use. Hence a stage wise plan is in place with those names. You replace the guns, add those new laser range module etc gradually as and when indigenous parts are available. So Mk2 and Mk3 are mainly indi system based upgrade packages done in phases where you also test all the subsystems that would also be going into NGMBT theoretically.
I considered this due to army doing T72-90 jugaad thing, they want existing tanks be improved on par/near the T90 capability, best thing they have. Similar line of thought for arjuns maybe, that those are relevant & upgraded system wise when NGMBT finally is available.
NGMBT is different, it will be a fully new built design and machine, possibly a new hull will be selected from offered OEMs? The light tank project got precedence so that might have delayed need for heavy MBT for now, speaking in next 3-10 year period.
I considered this due to army doing T72-90 jugaad thing, they want existing tanks be improved on par/near the T90 capability, best thing they have. Similar line of thought for arjuns maybe, that those are relevant & upgraded system wise when NGMBT finally is available.
NGMBT is different, it will be a fully new built design and machine, possibly a new hull will be selected from offered OEMs? The light tank project got precedence so that might have delayed need for heavy MBT for now, speaking in next 3-10 year period.
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Old name - new name
Arjun Mk2 - Arjun Mk1A
Arjun Mk3 - Arjun Mk2
NGMBT is the project name for a new tank design concept. Arjun Mk2 is the program name for a tank based on the NGMBT concept. The concept program had also gone by the name GNMBT and even FMBT.
Who? No clue, mate. Maybe a different name here?
The light tank is gonna use the NGMBT chassis.