• The defence ministry sealed a contract to procure 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 7,523 crore.

• The defence ministry placed the order for Arjun Mk-1A with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi in Chennai.

• The order will provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence sector.

Key features of Arjun Mk-1A:

• The MK-1A is equipped with accurate and superior firepower, all-terrain mobility and an invincible multi-layered protection provided by an array of advanced technology systems. 

• It can take on the enemy during day and night conditions and in both static and dynamic modes.

• This tank is particularly configured and designed for Indian conditions and hence it is suitable for deployment to protect the frontiers in an effective manner.

• The MBT Arjun Mk-1A has been designed & developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), along with other laboratories of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

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