Am actually interested. Let's see how it progresses.RFI is out for 25 ton light tank.
Am actually interested. Let's see how it progresses.
I bet this is the best case for phase 1.....Now this will drag on till DRDO comes up with its own version 5 years down the line and everything will get cancelled. then it will get delayed for 5 years, then under emergency procurement we will order when there is a crisis in 2035, meaning first delivery of 25 ton tank will happen in 2037-2038.
This is best case scenario. And hoping requirements don't change.
Asper RFI,we want this tank to operate in cold conditions of high altitude and desert areas of Rajasthan.RFI is out for 25 ton light tank.
Asper RFI,we want this tank to operate in cold conditions of high altitude and desert areas of Rajasthan.
When the primary requirements of new light tank is to operate in Ladakh as answer to Chinese light tank, why IA kept the requirement to optional capability in desert area? Such broad working temperature makes the design of tank complex and expensive i guess. And funny part is that a light tank deployed desert will fase Pakistani regular tank fleets, by nature a medium tank is superior a light tank.
Primary requirement is mobility by air and air droppable. Even in Rajasthan desert, this tank can be dropped by air to support our Para Brigade.Asper RFI,we want this tank to operate in cold conditions of high altitude and desert areas of Rajasthan.
When the primary requirements of new light tank is to operate in Ladakh as answer to Chinese light tank, why IA kept the requirement to optional capability in desert area? Such broad working temperature makes the design of tank complex and expensive i guess. And funny part is that a light tank deployed desert will fase Pakistani regular tank fleets, by nature a medium tank is superior a light tank.
Go through the RFI.Where did you read it's gonna be used in Rajasthan?
Go through the RFI.
Page#4, operational parameters column , serial number#d, specifications .
Light tanks with be extremely useful in places where our T-72, T-90 cannot venture.Light tank in my opinion is not a practical solution. But however let's see how this project turns out.
There are a lot of reasons why a light tank is not practical and will not be able to face any modern army in any type of theatre for various reasons.Light tanks with be extremely useful in places where our T-72, T-90 cannot venture.
Also, the RFI is for only 350 light tanks, such a order is piecemeal when you compare that to the number of T-72, T-90 operated by the IA.
There are a lot of reasons why a light tank is not practical and will not be able to face any modern army in any type of theatre for various reasons.
Will talk about those once this process moves forward.
Anyways I am not saying that this procurement will not happen, it might happen. I am saying that this is not a solution.
My mind went straight to the MPF program the US is looking for, but the goal of MPF is a bit different (better protected fire support that is rapidly deployable to support airborne units against near peer adversaires in more urban settings). I can't help but think the Sprut is unfortunately the only one that really meets the fantastic requirements set about in the tender. None of the MPF contenders are meant to be air dropped ( I think the M8 was technically droppable?), neither have amphibious capabilities and both will likely be well over 30 tons. Russia will also try to dangle some ToT or local manufacturing over India that the US likely won't. For such a low order I doubt a local development will be feasible on any reasonable time table.While a light tank cannot go head to head with enemy MBTs, it will still give a significant advantage to infantry within their area of operations. It's the same reason why the US has the MPF program in order to protect their infantry.
Two Light Tank Prototypes Battle for the Future of Army Firepower
Soldiers are testing two tank prototypes at Fort Bragg, but only one is destined to become the Army’s new light tank.www.popularmechanics.com
There's a pretty good chance this deal will go to the US, but Russia's latest Sprut modification is no lemon. Looks like an America vs Russia contest again.
In our case, dropping paras with the tank will be a significant force multiplier. And in the mountains our infantry will be facing the Chinese light tank, so it provides some parity. So whether it's practical or not is something only the army can decide. We don't have the information necessary to make any conclusion.
My mind went straight to the MPF program the US is looking for, but the goal of MPF is a bit different (better protected fire support that is rapidly deployable to support airborne units against near peer adversaires in more urban settings). I can't help but think the Sprut is unfortunately the only one that really meets the fantastic requirements set about in the tender. None of the MPF contenders are meant to be air dropped ( I think the M8 was technically droppable?), neither have amphibious capabilities and both will likely be well over 30 tons. Russia will also try to dangle some ToT or local manufacturing over India that the US likely won't. For such a low order I doubt a local development will be feasible on any reasonable time table.