Many do not have much idea about how powerful 120 mm rifled gun of indigenous Arjun MBT is. Without diving into complex technology parameters, in simple comparision, while OFB 125 mm can defeat triple heavy target at 3.5 km 120 mm can destroy it at 5 km distance!
Stryker thread- origin, requirements, and concerns in Indian context
First, what's our requirement?
The only released RFI is for 198 AFV for the Recce & Support role
Transportability: Il-76 & C-17
Must be amphibious
Engine: minimum 25Hp/T
While it was almost certain that one of the four Indian companies, engaged in 8×8 AFV projects, would be selected. But then came the bolt from the blue. According to the reports, the total requirement is of 530 and army eyes Stryker as the preference!
Everything started back in the 1990s when GMD offered a variant of Swiss MOWAG Piranha IIIH to Canada. The Canadian variant came to be known as LAV III. GMD offered this to the US Army under the IAC program. That American variant was named Stryker.
While at least four indigenous designs (TAS, L&T, MDSL & KSSL) will compete, reportedly Stryker is also offered to India. And here comes the question, what variant actually will be pitched?
During the visit of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Stryker ICV-D and ICVVA1-S were showcased.
What's the ICV-D?
It's the FBH (Flat Bottom Hull) variant also designated M1296. It's a 19T platform, the lightest such variant. Thus it can be put into C-130 as well! It's equipped with Kongsberg RT40 turret (MCT-30) with XM813 30mm gun. It's powered by Cat 3126 engine (350hp).
India's Cancelled Fighter Jet Programs - which could change the course of future
Ground Attack Fighter-I (1965)
Transonic, two engine platform to be powered by M.45, short range strike platform..but soon there was requirement of better capability
Ground Attack Fighter -II (1966)
It was to be powered by two R.11F-300, supersonic platform with air-to-air defence as well. Ordnance carriage on eight under wing stations as well as internal bay! However, lack of necessary infrastructure led an alternative.
HF-24 Mk. 1R
Feasible alternative to GAF-II, powered by R.11 it was to be a medium range platform offered to be in services by 1976. But it didn't see any future, instead requirements led to ASA.
Acc to SIPRI the defence budget of India and China in 2020 stands (current value) at Bln $72.88 and Bln $252.3 (for the official value please see third and fourth tweet). But this huge humongous gap wasn't started in one day.
Now, this thread is based on data shown only by SIPRI, not necessarily match official one , to avoid complexities. Acc to various sources, Chinese defence budget in 2021 officially stands at CNY 1.35 Trillion (~Bln $209). Please check next tweet for official Indian data.