India conducts first test firing of homemade engine for Arjun main battle tank

The first test firing of the engine marked the completion of the first generation engine. (document)

New Delhi:

India’s first domestically produced 1,500-horsepower main battle tank engine was tested for the first time in Mysuru on Wednesday, with Defense Minister Giridhar Aramaan calling it a “transformative moment” that would enhance the country’s military capabilities.

The achievement “heralds a new era in the country’s defense capabilities” and demonstrates technological prowess and commitment to self-reliance in defense technology, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

According to the report, Alamein “oversaw the first test firing of India’s first indigenous main battle tank 1,500 horsepower (HP) engine at the BEML engine department at Mysore Complex on March 20”.

The statement quoted Alamein as saying that this was “a transformative moment that will enhance India’s military capabilities.”

India’s first domestically produced 1500 HP main battle tank engine undergoes first test firing at BEML in Mysore

Defense minister says this is a transformative moment that will enhance India’s military capabilities

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“The 1,500-horsepower engine represents a paradigm shift in military propulsion systems, with cutting-edge features such as high power-to-weight ratio, operability in extreme conditions such as high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures and desert environments. Equipped with advanced technology, the engine is in line with the world’s most advanced Advanced engine equivalent,” it said.

BEML CMD Shantanu Roy said the achievement “reinforces BEML’s position as a key contributor to the country’s defense production and underlines its commitment to meeting the country’s needs in this critical sector”.

The first test firing of the engine marked the completion of the first-generation engine, with a focus on technical stability.

“The second-generation engine will be produced at the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, DRDO Laboratory, for various trials and integrated into actual vehicles for user testing,” the ministry said.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2025. Officials said the project, launched in August 2020, was carefully designed into five major milestones to ensure on-time completion and adherence to quality standards.

The Defense Minister also inaugurated a ‘Wall of Fame’ in recognition of the extraordinary efforts of the BEML team.

It symbolizes their contribution to improving the country’s defense capabilities and achieving milestones in indigenous technological innovation.

The event was attended by senior civilian and military officials of the ministry, industry partners and BEML Ltd officials.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)