This refers to the report "Army's new battle tank proposal sets stage for MoD tussle" (June 22). The Indian Army's inability to define its requirements of the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) and Future Infantry Combat Vehicle stems from the fact that unlike the Indian Navy, it has ignored formulating a doctrine of its design and operational needs. The Indian Army is not able to decide whether its needs are for 60- or 50-tonne class battle tanks. It must not abdicate its responsibility of formulating the qualitative requirements for its needs based on its threat perception and terrain requirements. The army's opposition to the MBT Arjun, too, is based upon its inability to work its needs. Notwithstanding this, the Arjun has clearly demonstrated its superiority over the T-90 Russian Tanks.
In view of the size of what it requires and the financial outlays involved, the Indian Army should call for a brain-storming session in consultation with all the people concerned and make up its mind soon.
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In view of the size of what it requires and the financial outlays involved, the Indian Army should call for a brain-storming session in consultation with all the people concerned and make up its mind soon.
R C Suri New Delhi
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number