India's New Main Battle Tank to Feature Dual 120mm and 125mm Smoothbore Guns
In an ambitious move towards reshaping its armored warfare capabilities, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing its Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) with the option to equip either a 120mm or 125mm smoothbore gun. This approach underlines India's effort to adapt and enhance the operational flexibility of the next-generation platform, officially called the Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT).
The decision to integrate both gun systems isn’t just a minor upgrade—it signifies a profound strategic investment. Smoothbore guns, as opposed to rifled barrels, are valued for their higher projectile velocities, which translate into greater penetrative power. The Indian Army's transition to these guns for NGMBT is designed to meet emerging threats, taking a step forward from legacy technologies still present in older platforms.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this development is the dual-caliber system. By creating options for both 120mm and 125mm smoothbore guns, DRDO is ensuring the tank can be tailored to various combat scenarios and ammunition advancements. The 125mm variant leverages experience with Russian-origin T-90 tanks that the Indian Army has relied upon for decades. This choice offers compatibility with existing ammunition stocks and maintains high firepower, making it ideal for situations where heavy munitions might be necessary.
On the flip side, the 120mm option draws from Western tank designs and could provide advantages in terms of tank weight and mobility, crucial for high-speed maneuver warfare and for operating in terrains where agility is critical. The smoothbore design on both variants will accommodate advanced munitions like armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shells. These weapons will enable the NGMBT to engage various targets, from heavily armored vehicles to fortified positions.
The NGMBT project also incorporates an array of futuristic systems that place it on par with top-tier global tanks. It is expected to feature advanced active protection systems (APS) designed to intercept incoming threats like anti-tank guided missiles, offering an additional layer of survivability. The armor itself will likely employ advanced composite materials to withstand modern kinetic energy threats while maintaining weight efficiency. Enhanced situational awareness technologies, such as 360-degree cameras and sophisticated command-and-control interfaces, will ensure crew effectiveness in both offensive and defensive roles.
While these plans are impressive, the development journey will be challenging. The timelines for selecting and validating the gun systems remain flexible, but DRDO's dual-caliber strategy showcases foresight, allowing for adaptability in a rapidly evolving defense landscape. This capability enhancement is also a testament to India's growing emphasis on indigenous defense manufacturing, a goal central to the “Make in India” initiative, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in military self-sufficiency.
Overall, the NGMBT’s dual-gun flexibility and other cutting-edge features reflect India's commitment to staying ahead in regional and global armored warfare dynamics, ensuring that its forces remain versatile and formidable across diverse battle environments.
