Another Light Tank For India ,By AVNL and Russian Collaboration

India's Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL) has been a cornerstone in the nation's defense manufacturing sector, with decades of experience in producing a wide range of armored vehicles. Despite its significant in-house expertise, AVNL is now taking a route that raises questions about India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, known as Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Instead of leveraging its substantial R&D capabilities to innovate and develop indigenous solutions, AVNL has opted to enter a joint venture (JV) with Russian firms Rosoboronexport (ROE) and High Precision Systems (HPC) for the manufacture of a new light tank for the Indian Army.

The Sprut-SD Light Tank: Specifications and Capabilities

The Sprut-SD, developed by Russia, is a unique amphibious light tank that offers a blend of firepower, mobility, and protection, suitable for rapid deployment and operations in challenging terrains. Below are the key specifications and technical details of the Sprut-SD:

• Armament: The Sprut-SD is armed with a 125mm 2A75 smoothbore gun, capable of firing a variety of rounds, including APFSDS (armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot), HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank), and HE (high-explosive) rounds. It also has the capability to fire guided missiles, providing an extended range of up to 5 kilometers.

• Protection: The tank's armor is designed to protect against small arms fire and shell splinters, with additional modular armor and explosive reactive armor (ERA) kits available to enhance its survivability against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and RPGs. It also features an automatic fire suppression system and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection.

• Mobility: Powered by a UTD-29 diesel engine, the Sprut-SD has a power output of 500 hp, enabling a top speed of 70 km/h on roads and 10 km/h in water. Its amphibious capability allows it to be deployed across rivers and lakes, making it highly versatile in diverse operational environments.

• Crew and Dimensions: The tank has a crew of three (commander, gunner, and driver) and weighs approximately 18 tonnes. Its relatively light weight allows for air-droppable capabilities, further enhancing its strategic mobility.

• Fire Control and Electronics: The Sprut-SD is equipped with a modern fire control system that includes a ballistic computer, laser rangefinder, thermal sights, and a stabilized gunner’s sight, providing accurate targeting while on the move.

India's Light Tank Requirements and AVNL's Strategic Choice

The Indian Army has articulated a requirement for 295 light tanks under the Make-I category, which emphasizes indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. These light tanks are expected to operate in high-altitude regions, such as the northern and eastern borders, where heavy tanks like the T-90 and Arjun might face mobility constraints. The desired configuration for these tanks includes high power-to-weight ratios, superior firepower, and advanced armor protection, coupled with the ability to be quickly deployed and maneuvered in mountainous terrains.

In this context, the decision by AVNL to collaborate with Russian firms and potentially license-produce the Sprut-SD raises several critical considerations:

• R&D Potential vs. License Production: AVNL's move could be seen as a missed opportunity to harness its own R&D capabilities and develop an indigenous light tank that could be tailored specifically to the Indian Army’s requirements. The Sprut-SD, while a capable platform, is primarily designed for Russian operational doctrines and may require significant adaptation for Indian needs.

• Strategic Autonomy: The reliance on foreign technology through license production could undermine India's long-term goal of achieving strategic autonomy in defense manufacturing. An indigenous development effort would not only bolster AVNL’s capabilities but also contribute to the broader defense industrial ecosystem in India.

• JV Dynamics and Control: With AVNL and Indian Ordnance Factories (IOL) holding the majority stake in the JV, there remains a potential for greater control over the production process and the possibility of incorporating Indian technological inputs. However, the degree of technological transfer and the ability to modify the Sprut-SD to fully meet Indian Army specifications will be crucial.

As AVNL moves forward with its JV with Russian firms to produce the Sprut-SD light tank, it must balance the immediate operational needs of the Indian Army with the long-term vision of building indigenous capabilities. While the Sprut-SD offers a ready solution, it is essential for India to ensure that such collaborations do not compromise its drive towards self-reliance in defense technology. The coming years will determine whether this venture serves as a stepping stone for future indigenous developments or whether it becomes another example of India's dependency on foreign defense technologies.