PM hands over indigenous Arjun tank to Army


PTI, Feb 14, 2021, 6:56 PM IST

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over to the Army the home-made Arjun Main BattleTank (MK-1A) here, dubbed by him as an example of India’sunited spirit as the south made armoured vehicle will guard the northern borders of the country.

At a function, he also accepted a salute by the state-of-the-art tank, indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment here.

Modi later handed over a replica model of the tank to Army Chief General MM Naravane.

”Today I am proud to dedicate to the country one more warrior to protect our frontiers. I am proud to hand over the indigenously designed and manufactured Arjun MK-1A. It also uses indigenous ammunition. Tamil Nadu is already the leading auto manufacturing hub of India. Now I see Tamil Nadu evolving as a tank manufacturing hub of India,” he said.

”A tank made in Tamil Nadu will be used in our northern border to keep our nation safe. This showcases India’s united spirit  – Bharat’s Ekta darshan,” Modi added.

According to reports, the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Avadi here, has been placed with a Rs 8,500 crore order for manufacturing 118 of these tanks.

Arjun MK 1 Alpha is a ”contemporary tank in the world with battle-winning efficacy,” officials said.

It is ‘infused’ with 71 new features and would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.

The production order opens up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian companies and scores of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with employment opportunities to 8,000 people, they said.

The tank is a ”shining example” of the Centre’s much-touted ”Atmanirbhar Bharat,” a concept of attaining self-reliance in various sectors including the defence.

Quoting from revolutionary Tamil poet and freedom fighter Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi, Modi said that inspired by the former’s vision, ”India has taken a massive effort to become self-reliant in the defence sector.”

Of the two defence corridors in the country, the one in Tamil Nadu has already received investment commitments of over Rs 8,100 crore, Modi said.

”We will continue working to make our armed forces one of the most modern forces in the world. At the same time the focus on making India Atmanirbhar in the defence sector moves with full speed,” he said.

Later, in a tweet, he said it was ”a special day in our journey to become Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector,” referring to Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A).

Fifteen academic institutions, eight labs and several MSMEs were also involved in the Arjun MK 1A.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Public Alert: Cyber fraudsters impersonating traffic police to demand fines

UP: 25 people booked for attacking civic officials for encroachment removal

SC transfers cheating case against choreographer Remo D’Souza to Delhi court

Fishing vessel collides with naval platform off Goa coast; 2 fishermen missing

‘Nation First’ key to India’s progress, says President Murmu

Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra slams Cong govt over Waqf notices to farmers, fund crunch

Man declared dead wakes up before cremation, 3 doctors suspended in Rajasthan

Related Articles More

Court acquits MLA Bachchu Kadu in 2011 Mantralaya clerk slapping case

UP: 25 people booked for attacking civic officials for encroachment removal

SC transfers cheating case against choreographer Remo D’Souza to Delhi court

Fishing vessel collides with naval platform off Goa coast; 2 fishermen missing

Cal HC stays demolition of illegal constructions in Mandarmoni

MUST WATCH

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation

Geethotsava

Naxal Operation


Latest Additions

Belagavi: Was youth killed for an iPhone? Police launch intensive probe

K’taka Health Minister calls for collaborative efforts to combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Public Alert: Cyber fraudsters impersonating traffic police to demand fines

Court acquits MLA Bachchu Kadu in 2011 Mantralaya clerk slapping case

Markets stage sharp recovery; Sensex reclaims 79k level, Nifty surges 557.35 points

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.