The Indian Army has made an important decision to upgrade its fleet of 1,400 T-72 M1 (CI Ajeya) tanks with cutting-edge Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) Mk-II. This modification is intended to give improved defence against current anti-tank guided missiles, as well as High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) and Kinetic Energy munitions. The ERA Mk-I is now installed on 1,400 T-72 M1s.
New Upgrades for T-72 Tanks
The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) has successfully developed the ERA Mk-II for adaptation to the T-72 tanks and the upcoming Arjun MBT Mk-II in collaboration with the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) and the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE).
The reactive elements and armour panels are the two main subsystems of the ERA Mk-II. The tank’s structure allows for the installation of panels of various sizes, with options for the placement of reactive elements within these panels. Welding fittings and mounting structures are used to secure the panels to the tank. While the number of reactive elements in different panels fluctuates, their size remains constant. For the greatest effectiveness, the ERA employs explosive material in sheet form.
Officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have released information about the ERA Mk-II user trials. From November 2015 to January 2016, the ERA Mk-II was tested against a variety of threats, including 84mm and 125mm HEAT rounds, Milan warheads, and AMK-339 ammunition. The ERA Mk-II outperformed its predecessor, the ERA Mk-I, in terms of performance against shaped charge warheads and kinetic energy projectiles. This outstanding performance can be attributed to the ERA Mk-II’s increased explosive characteristics and upgraded armour materials.
The decision to replace the T-72 tanks with ERA Mk-II tanks demonstrates the Indian Army’s commitment to improving the protection and combat capabilities of its armoured force. The army intends to strengthen its defensive capabilities against modern threats by outfitting the tanks with advanced ERA technology. The successful creation and evaluation of the ERA Mk-II demonstrate India’s indigenous R&D prowess, which was accomplished through collaborative efforts between the HEMRL, DMRL, and CVRDE.
The Indian Army will significantly boost the survivability and combat effectiveness of its T-72 tank force once the modernization process begins. The incorporation of the ERA Mk-II will give another layer of protection against modern anti-tank threats, bolstering the army’s armoured warfare capabilities. This improvement will help to maintain a strong defence posture and ensure the safety of Indian soldiers in combat.
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