(a) whether Arjun Tank is awaiting the Government nod for inclusion in the Indian Army;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the total amount spent by DRDO in upgrading this tank;
(d) whether validation trials were completed in 2018; and
(e) if so, the time by which this tank is likely to be included in the Indian Army?
MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) to (e): Quantity 124 Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mark-1 tanks have been inducted into the Indian Army since 2008 and two Armoured Regiments are fully operational with these tanks. DRDO has further developed upgraded MBT Arjun Mark-1A tank. This upgraded MBT Arjun Mark-1A tank has cleared validation trials in December, 2018. The delivery schedule and other aspects of the procurements are governed by the terms and conditions of the contract/indent.
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