Understanding India’s Defense System part 1
330 T90
Arjun
Tunguska M1 Air defence system
BM-30 Smerch:MBRL
Pinaka MBRL:
The T-90 is a Russian main battle tank (MBT) derived from the T-72, and is currently the most modern tank in service with the Russian Ground Forces, Naval Infantry and the Indian Army. The customized Indian version is 310T-90S. In 2001, India bought 310 T-90S tanks from Russia, of which 120 were delivered complete, 90 in semi-knocked down kits, and 100 in completely-knocked down kits. The T-90 was selected because it is a direct development of the T-72 which India already employs, simplifying training and maintenance. India bought the T-90 after the delay in production of the domestically developed Arjun main battle tank, and to counter Pakistani deployment of the Ukrainian T-80UD in 1995–97. These tanks were made by Uralvagonzavod and the uprated 1,000-hp engines were delivered by Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant.
Recently another 330 were ordered by the army. Also the Indian Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) got order to produce another 1000. So in total the numbers would be close to 1700 by 2020.
Arjun
Arjun is a main battle tank still in development by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to deliver the remainder of the 124 tanks to the Indian Army by 2009 India’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) has also signed an agreement for the licensed production of 1,000 T-90s. With the Arjun development delayed even further , India last year signed a fresh contract with Russia to buy another 330 T-90s.
Tunguska M1 Air defence system
The 2K22 Tunguska is a Russian tracked self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon armed with a surface-to-air gun and missile system. It is designed to provide day and night protection for infantry and tank regiments against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles in all weather conditions. Indian operates close to 50 of this system and further orders are placed.
BM-30 Smerch:MBRL
The BM-30 Smerch (Tornado) or 9K58 is a Soviet multiple rocket launcher. The system is designed to defeat manpower, armored and soft-skinned materiel in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was created in 1986 and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989 the 300mm rockets with a firing range of 70 and 90 km and various warheads have been developed for the Smerch MLRS. To India 38 systems were delivered in 2008 and additional 24 systems by 2010.Total cost $750 million.
Pinaka MBRL:
Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the DRDO for the Indian Army. The system has a maximum range of 39-40 km, fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds, neutralizing a target area of 3.9 sq. km. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility. Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralizing enemy positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.
Range: 7 km – 40 km (4.4 – 26 mi)
Rocket Diameter: 214 mm (8.42 in)
Length: 4.95 m (16.24 ft)
Warhead weight: 100 kg (220 lbs)
Total weight: 276kg (608 lbs)
