Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Hazira in Gujarat on Friday, marking a significant moment for India’s indigenous main battle tank programme, according to reports.
The Hazira facility in Vadodara district is the production base for the Arjun main battle tank, India’s domestically designed and manufactured heavy armour platform. The visit underscores the government’s commitment to advancing Make in India in defence manufacturing and accelerating the induction of indigenous weapon systems into the Indian Army.
The Arjun tank programme, managed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) with production at HVF, represents one of India’s most ambitious armour development initiatives. First inducted into service in 2004, the Arjun has undergone continuous refinement, with the Mk-1A variant now in production incorporating enhanced firepower, protection, and mobility improvements over earlier versions.
The tank is equipped with a 120-mm rifled gun, composite armour protection, and advanced fire control systems. Its gas turbine engine provides a power-to-weight ratio competitive with contemporary main battle tanks globally. The Mk-1A variant includes upgraded turret design, improved thermal imaging, and enhanced ammunition handling systems to strengthen operational effectiveness across varied terrain.
Currently, the Indian Army operates over 100 Arjun tanks across multiple brigades, with production orders committed for additional platforms. The HVF facility, one of India’s primary heavy engineering complexes, has steadily ramped up manufacturing capacity to meet induction schedules while maintaining quality standards mandated by the Army.
The visit also reflects India’s broader defence indigenisation strategy, which prioritises reducing import dependence for critical weapon systems. DRDO and Ordnance Factory Board (now defence PSU OFB) collaborate closely on the Arjun programme, embedding advanced manufacturing processes and testing protocols at Hazira to ensure the tank meets operational doctrine requirements.
Strategic focus on indigenous armour production aligns with India’s multi-front security posture and commitment to maintaining credible deterrence capabilities. The Arjun’s operational deployment alongside other main battle tanks in the Indian Army’s inventory demonstrates New Delhi’s confidence in homegrown defence technology for national security.
