Induction and conversion training delay Arjun/T-90 face-off

The head-to-head trials planned between the Arjun Main Battle Tank and the T-90 will take some more time to fructify. This is because, induction of the tanks has not been completed as yet, according to one source.

“The induction is to happen in around ten days time. Tank crews will also require six weeks of conversion training on the new tanks before the trials are in a position to take place. And then of course, all the elements will have to be transported to the site of the exercise,” he said,” adding, “Consider it three months before any trials can take place.”

According to him, the trials will see two regiments, one each of T-90s and Arjuns, going head-to-head. The trials are not merely a clinical exercise aimed at comparing the features of the two tanks but will also feature battlefield operational exercises to try and determine the strengths and weakness of both tanks in a battle-like scenario

Each regiment has 45 tanks, with three tanks under the Headquarters squadron and the remaining 42 tanks deployed in three squadrons.