Hey guys, not sure if anyone has seen this yet but
Summary:
As a result of recent tensions, the Indian MoD has called for the rapid induction of light tanks in the Indian Army in order to supplement their T-72s (and the T-90S tanks that they recently sent) at the border. The first option is the development of an indigenous design. DRDO has proposed two designs to fit this requirement, of which both are based on the hull of the K-9 SPH and are powered by a 1000hp MTU engine, but mated to different turrets and have different armaments. One design has a 105mm 'John Cockerill turret' of which is probably related to the turret of the Kaplan MT, and would possibly include an autoloader. The other design has the turret of the T-90S with the 125mm gun, and would certainly retain the autoloader. I'm not sure if it is the best idea to base a tank design (even a light tank) on a hull with lighter armor than a BMP-1, but apparently DRDO is confident enough in their 'tank development expertise created while developing the Arjun tank' and so I wish them the best.
A second option considered by the Indian MoD is the Russian 2S25 Sprut SDM1, which in my opinion seems to be a more sensible choice than both designs offered by DRDO simply because those two high school projects are almost certain to result in failure.
I would also propose a third option for the Indian MoD: they can also choose to procure the VT-5 from China, which is arguably a better choice than the Sprut SDM1 in case the conflict in West TIbet escalates, due to having more advanced equipment than the Sprut SDM1 while also having the firepower that is more than sufficient in dealing with any armored vehicles that would realistically be encountered in the region.
Summary:
As a result of recent tensions, the Indian MoD has called for the rapid induction of light tanks in the Indian Army in order to supplement their T-72s (and the T-90S tanks that they recently sent) at the border. The first option is the development of an indigenous design. DRDO has proposed two designs to fit this requirement, of which both are based on the hull of the K-9 SPH and are powered by a 1000hp MTU engine, but mated to different turrets and have different armaments. One design has a 105mm 'John Cockerill turret' of which is probably related to the turret of the Kaplan MT, and would possibly include an autoloader. The other design has the turret of the T-90S with the 125mm gun, and would certainly retain the autoloader. I'm not sure if it is the best idea to base a tank design (even a light tank) on a hull with lighter armor than a BMP-1, but apparently DRDO is confident enough in their 'tank development expertise created while developing the Arjun tank' and so I wish them the best.
A second option considered by the Indian MoD is the Russian 2S25 Sprut SDM1, which in my opinion seems to be a more sensible choice than both designs offered by DRDO simply because those two high school projects are almost certain to result in failure.
I would also propose a third option for the Indian MoD: they can also choose to procure the VT-5 from China, which is arguably a better choice than the Sprut SDM1 in case the conflict in West TIbet escalates, due to having more advanced equipment than the Sprut SDM1 while also having the firepower that is more than sufficient in dealing with any armored vehicles that would realistically be encountered in the region.
