Prototype of the Arjun MBT
Posted on 03/29/2009 9:07:38 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Report: Indian Army to test Israeli defensive system suite on battle tank
www.chinaview.cn 2009-03-29
NEW DELHI, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Army will evaluate an advanced laser-based defensive suite designed by the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in collaboration with Israel, on the Arjun battle tank this summer, reported the local daily The Tribune on Sunday.
Designated as the Advanced Laser Warning and Countermeasure System (ALWCS), the suite comprises a laser warning system, infra-red jammer and an aerosol smoke grenade system. The sensors of these systems are mounted on the front sides of the turret, said the report.
The purpose of ALWCS is to enhance survivability of armored vehicles against anti-tank guided missiles. Israel's Elbit Systems Limited which manufactures and integrates Israel's hi-tech defense electronic and electro-optic systems undertakes weapon upgrade projects for militaries throughout the world, and is DRDO's collaborating partner for ALWCS.
The Arjun battle tank, which is under development for the past 36 years, is scheduled to undergo comprehensive trials with the Russian-origin T-90 tanks in May-June. Moreover, last year's trials were not reported to be successful.
As part of Arjun's protection capability, DRDO's Adavi-based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment has also developed a mobile camouflage system to provide multi-spectral signature management for reducing vehicle visual, thermal and radar signature against sensors and smart munitions.
Prototype of the Arjun MBT
They’re gonna test it on a tank, eh?
When do they test it on pakistan?
Soon I hope...
I think the US reached the conclusion a while back that the era of the tank in major battles, was pretty much over, and for several reasons.
To start with, there are dozens of highly effective tank killer systems in the world today. Some are cheap and easy to mass produce. Others are advanced and extremely lethal to tanks. With preparation, area security can deny a large region to tanks. Even with minimal preparation, tank mortality would be sky high.
Second, since the Battle of the Bulge, modern armies have been intensely aware that the Achilles heel of tanks is their fuel supply. This makes tanks far less useful in the offense, especially when projected far from their reserves.
Third, and probably the final straw, was the development of Stryker type wheeled anti-tank vehicles, that are intensely computer coordinated. They hold the same advantage over the tank that a synchronized team of epee swordsmen held over heavily armored knights with broadswords. In short, they can run circles around them.
Most of the Cold War was spent in finding ways to defeat tanks, and “with every man’s hand against them”, they lost most of their value on the battlefield.
I've heard this all my life. Perhaps it's true as there have been no direct clashes between the armies of advanced nations to test the theory. Then again, perhaps it's not true as shown by advanced nations still developing newer MBT's.
Third, and probably the final straw, was the development of Stryker type wheeled anti-tank vehicles, that are intensely computer coordinated. They hold the same advantage over the tank that a synchronized team of epee swordsmen held over heavily armored knights with broadswords. In short, they can run circles around them.
Wheeled vehicles work well in developed nations where more roads are paved than not. Tracked vehicles as a class have better off road performance.
The wars in Iraq pretty well disproved that theory.
All of the major players are making first rank MBTs. Britain, France, Germany, the US, Russia. It's not clear at this point whether the problems with the Merkava were with the machine or the tactics. The Arjun, to this point, has pretty much been a fiasco.
I didn’t say the era of tanks was over, just their use in major battles. Most conflicts these days don’t have such major battles. It is more likely that a country would have some tanks in the defense, where they would stand much better chances than in the offense.
They also work well in urban combat, and as SP artillery as needed, when conventional artillery are not available. And they also can act as other systems platforms and infantry screens. Lots of uses.
Tanks are a deathtrap waiting to happen in urban combat.
Israeli drones attacked Iranian convoys in Sudan...
Breitbart.com | March 29, 2009 | Breitbart
Posted on 03/29/2009 3:28:20 PM PDT by gscc
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2217648/posts
U.S. Officials Confirm Israel Air Force Bombed Sudan Convoy
Arutz Sheva | 3/29/09 | Gil Ronen
Posted on 03/29/2009 10:16:21 AM PDT by Nachum
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2217490/posts
Sudan suspects Israel in raids
(Israel hit “terror infrastructure” to slow weapons flow to Hamas)
AP on Yahoo | 3/27/09 | Jeannine Aversa - ap
Posted on 03/27/2009 12:45:18 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2216367/posts
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