(a) whether the Government has assessed the requirement of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) for defence preparedness;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the number of MBTs that are being manufactured indigenously and the number of MBTs that are being imported; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to manufacture MBTs indigenously?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)
(a) to (d): The requirement for Main Battle Tanks for defence preparedness has been assessed and laid down in the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) document for the period 2012-2027. Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) ARJUN Mark I have been manufactured indigenously and ARJUN Mark II is under development. The T-90 tanks are manufactured indigenously by Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) under licensed production from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).