NEW DELHI, June 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Indian defense scientists have claimed that they have developed a Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missile Lahat for nation's indigenous Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun.
The laser anti-homing Lahat missile is capable of being fired from the 120 mm rifle gun of the tank which now gets a capability matching the just-acquired T-90 tanks, which sport a BVR missile of over 5 to 8 Kilometers engagement capability, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported Tuesday.
"Lahat is a semi-active laser homing missile, which could be fired from the main gun of the tank similar to conventional rounds," PTI quoted Defense Research and Development Organization officials as saying.
"This would significantly enhance the fighting capability of MBT Arjun since its maximum effective range is six Kilometers as compared to the 2.5 Kilometers of conventional ammunition," officials added.
The missile has been developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, Avadi, in collaboration with a private firm.
The breakthrough in developing the missiles comes at a time forthe MBT Arjun program which is at present facing slippage.
Only four tanks have so far rolled out of the Avadi plant, withthe defense ministry giving the go ahead for building 125 tanks for the army.
According to the original schedule, the first regiment of the MBT Arjuns is slated to enter service with the Indian army by early next year.
