Undertook a rudimentary analysis on the light #tank requirement basis data from the #IndianArmy RFI released in 2009.
Turns out the K21-105 & K21-120 tick more boxes than the Sprut SDM1 .
Moreover the K21 could be built at the @larsentoubro factory at #Hazira #Gujarat .
Turns out the K21-105 & K21-120 tick more boxes than the Sprut SDM1 .
Moreover the K21 could be built at the @larsentoubro factory at #Hazira #Gujarat .
Did not consider Harimau due to Turkish content .
Similarly did not consider US MPF program vehicles as they're still in development.
Anders & CV90/120 due to 30+T weight restrictions .
Similarly did not consider US MPF program vehicles as they're still in development.
Anders & CV90/120 due to 30+T weight restrictions .
That said the US MPF program offers two intriguing light tanks with the @BAESystemsInc M8 BUFORD & @GD_LandSystems Griffin 2.
Adding our numbers to the US requirement a run of 800 vehicles can be achieved reducing cost for both.
Adding our numbers to the US requirement a run of 800 vehicles can be achieved reducing cost for both.
The K21-105/120 isn't air-droppable but brings a unique capability of a main gun that can have a 42° angle of fire . This allows for the tank to be used as indirect fire artillery support upto 15km distances . Very useful in mountain warfare.
Another area where both K21 versions score is the fact that they're much better armored than the Sprut .
Overall the K21-120 is a vehicle that outmatches the Sprut in firepower while being much better protected.
Add in the local production at L&T ,this tank has my vote.
Overall the K21-120 is a vehicle that outmatches the Sprut in firepower while being much better protected.
Add in the local production at L&T ,this tank has my vote.
Must add here that apart from the SPRUT SDM All other light tanks listed use either of the two plug & play solutions from Cockerill Defense . This turret & gun is now pretty much a @NATO standard that can fire all standard 105 & 120mm tank rounds from NATO countries.
It must similarly be considered that further orders for the SPRUT SDM1 were rejected by #Russian forces after the induction of only 24 units & a new light airborne tank is under development based on the 2S42 LOTOS platform pictured here.
The Cockerill turrets themselves are modular & can be tweaked for everything from 4x4 armored cars like the @anandmahindra ASLV to the BMP-2 all with different armament details.
Could be made in India with a JV.
vid of heavy turret
Could be made in India with a JV.
vid of heavy turret
As mentioned above the same family of turrets also has a branch of light turrets for 4x4 Armor like the @TataMotors LAMV or the @MahindraRise ASLV .
Would help build commonality & reduce logistical constraints.
Would help build commonality & reduce logistical constraints.
Putting this here so it doesn't slip out of the thread .
Would add that the #IndianArmy in 2009 had specified a requirement for 300 light tanks 100 tracked & 200 8x8 wheeled with similar specifics.
The thread above focuses only on the tracked units.
Would add that the #IndianArmy in 2009 had specified a requirement for 300 light tanks 100 tracked & 200 8x8 wheeled with similar specifics.
The thread above focuses only on the tracked units.
As promised @bdun53 sir, please find a rudimentary analysis of some existing 8x8 wheeled 105/120mm #tank destroyers available . There are newer vehicles in development at the moment as well that have not yet entered service like the @RheinmetallAG Boxer FSV .
In the wheeled comparison as well the ROSOMAK WIEL uses the same CMI 3105-gun as most of the tracked competitors. This system has now been trialled and adopted by the Korean, Indonesian, Turkish , Singapore, Swedish militaries & is entering trials with British & US forces.
It would be safe to say that the 3105 & versions are a successful military weapon system that has been adopted by many militaries & can provide the IA with a readymade solution for an effective light tank that would be more effective than the Sprut .
@threadreaderapp unroll please
