Arjun Mark II Tank induction into the Indian Army could get delayed beyond 2016

The induction of Arjun MK II main battle tank into the Indian Army by 2016 may get delayed further due to the LAHAT Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).The Israelis -IAI- who customised the LAHAT Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) for firing from the 120 mm main gun of the Mark II variant, have gone back to the drawing boards for making the LAHAT to confirm to some Indian Army requirements.

LAHAT was originally developed 1992 by Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) for firing from their own Merkava MBT. With a diametre of about 105 mm, the anti-tank can be independently targeted or targeted through laser designation. The latter means an alternative platform can illuminate the target with the anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) homing in on the laser spot.

The range of the LAHAT missile pay-load is about three-and-a-half kilometres on the plains and about two-and-a-half kilometres in the deserts.

Harop Loitering Munitions System for the IAF

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-could-buy-more-unmanned-harops-397122/



The Indian air force is evaluating the purchase of additional Israel Aerospace Industries Harop loitering munitions, as deliveries continue under a previous order placed in 2012.

The ground-launched Harop has some of the same capabilities as a tactical unmanned air vehicle, and features a high performance electro-optical/infrared camera. Once airborne, the system searches for, detects and attacks time-critical land- or sea-based static or moving targets, with claimed "pinpoint accuracy". IAI says the weapon can be employed across a variety of scenarios, including low and high intensity conflicts, urban warfare and counter-terrorist operations.

Capable of being launched from a variety of platforms, the long-endurance Harop has the capability of functioning as a tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle. The system can be used across a range of scenarios, from low to high-intensity conflicts, urban warfare and counter-terror operations. Equipped with an electro-optical/infrared seeker providing 360° coverage, the aircraft can search for, detect and attack from long range, high-value mobile, time-critical and moving targets on land or at sea and with pinpoint accuracy, as per IAI.After launch, a Harop air vehicle navigates towards a target area and loiters while searching for targets. If an attack mission is aborted, the UAV can be returned to loitering mode before making a new strike. Another Harop can be used to deliver real-time video to support battle damage assessment tasks.