Bad news for Pakistan, China as DRDO’s new guns for India’s next-generation tanks to bolster Indian Army edge, the guns are…

The smoothbore design makes it easier for tanks to fire missiles through the same barrel used to fire projectiles.

Written by: Tahir Qureshi Edited by: Tahir Qureshi

Published: November 24, 2024, 9:54 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/india/bad-news-for-pakistan-china-as-drdos-new-guns-for-indias-next-generation-tanks-to-bolster-indian-army-edge-the-guns-are-7418166/ Copy

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New Delhi: India’s defence sector is constantly working to provide the country’s armed forces with military hardware that is the latest, most potent and advanced, and at par with the global standards. In this regard, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is playing a crucial role.

Currently, the DRDO is working on the development of smoothbore guns for the Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) which is a part of the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) project.

The Arjun Mk2 or Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT), also known as the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) is an upcoming fourth generation main battle tank being developed by DRDO for the Indian Army, designed to be considerably lighter than the earlier Arjun variant and equipped with advanced electro-optical sight systems and possibly a high power laser-based weapon system in addition to the main gun.

Talking about guns, the DRDO is working to produce two cutting-edge smoothbore guns for Arjun Mk2 NGMBT. They are 120mm and 125mm smoothbore gun systems.

A smoothbore gun is a firearm with a barrel that is smooth and without rifling. Smoothbore guns can be handheld, used in tanks, or used in large artillery mortars. Most modern tanks are fitted with smoothbore guns as they do not utilise rifled barrels in order to impart spin to projectiles as they are fired.

The smoothbore design of most modern tank barrels makes it easier for tanks to fire missiles through the same barrel used to fire projectiles.

The gun itself is not the sole factor influencing the range of a tank as the maximum range, i.e. how far the projectile will travel depends on various conditions.

India’s Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) will feature indigenous 120mm smoothbore gun while the 125mm caliber is preferred for its robust firepower and compatibility with widely available munitions in the international market.

DRDO is working on both the calibres to provide Indian Armed Forces flexibility in terms of armament choice.