Vijayanta - Revision history

Imteenu at 21:29, 24 August 2025

2025-08-24T21:29:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:59, 25 August 2025
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	\| service = 1965–present		\| service = 1965–present
	\| used_by = [[India]]		\| used_by = [[India]]
	\| wars = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] <br> [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] <br> [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff]]		\| wars = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] <br> [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] <br> [[Operation Bluestar]] <br> [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff]]
	<!-- Production history -->		<!-- Production history -->
	\| designer =		\| designer =
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	<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->		<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
	\| armour = {{convert\|80\|mm\|in\|abbr=on}} steel (hull and turret front)		\| armour = {{convert\|80\|mm\|in\|abbr=on}} steel (hull and turret front)
			{{convert\|30\|mm\|in\|abbr=on}} steel (side hull)
	\| primary_armament = 1 x [[Royal Ordnance L7\|105 mm L7A2]]<br/>(44 rounds)		\| primary_armament = 1 x [[Royal Ordnance L7\|105 mm L7A2]]<br/>(44 rounds)
	\| secondary_armament = 1 x 12.7 mm MG (ranging gun)<br/>(1000 rounds)<br/>1 x 12.7 mm MG (pintle mount)<br/>(2000 rounds)<br/>1 x 7.62 mm MG(Co-Ax)<br/>(500 rounds)		\| secondary_armament = 1 x 12.7 mm MG (ranging gun)<br/>(1000 rounds)<br/>1 x 12.7 mm MG (pintle mount)<br/>(2000 rounds)<br/>1 x 7.62 mm MG(Co-Ax)<br/>(500 rounds)
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	}}		}}

	The '''''Vijayanta''''' (~~en: "~~Victorious")<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/indias-main-battle-tank-arrives-in-haldwani.html\|title=India's main battle tank arrives in Haldwani\|first=The\|last=Pioneer\|website=The Pioneer}}</ref> was a [[main battle tank]] built in [[India]] based on a licensed design of the [[Vickers MBT\|Vickers Mk.1]]. The Vijayanta was the first indigenous tank of the [[Indian Army]].		The '''''Vijayanta''''' ({{Lit\|Victorious}})<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/indias-main-battle-tank-arrives-in-haldwani.html\|title=India's main battle tank arrives in Haldwani\|first=The\|last=Pioneer\|website=The Pioneer}}</ref> was a [[main battle tank]] built in [[India]] based on a licensed design of the [[Vickers MBT\|Vickers Mk.1]]. The Vijayanta was the first indigenous tank of the [[Indian Army]].

	The prototype was completed in 1963<ref name="globalsecurity1">{{cite web\|author=John Pike \|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/vijayanta.htm \|title=Vijayanta \|publisher=Globalsecurity.org \|access-date=2012-03-18}}</ref> and the tank entered service on December 29, 1965.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2012/mar16-12/h14.htm\|title=h14\|website=sainiksamachar.nic.in}}</ref> The first 90 vehicles were built by [[Vickers]] in the UK.<ref>{{cite book \|title=The Vickers tanks From landships to Challenger \|last=Foss \|first=Christopher F \|author2=McKenzie, Peter \|year=1988 \|publisher=Patrick Stephens Limited \|isbn=1-85260-141-8 \|pages=185–186}}</ref> Production continued at the [[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] in [[Avadi]] until 1983 with 2,200 being built.		The prototype was completed in 1963<ref name="globalsecurity1">{{cite web\|author=John Pike \|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/vijayanta.htm \|title=Vijayanta \|publisher=Globalsecurity.org \|access-date=2012-03-18}}</ref> and the tank entered service on December 29, 1965.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2012/mar16-12/h14.htm\|title=h14\|website=sainiksamachar.nic.in}}</ref> The first 90 vehicles were built by [[Vickers]] in the UK.<ref>{{cite book \|title=The Vickers tanks From landships to Challenger \|last=Foss \|first=Christopher F \|author2=McKenzie, Peter \|year=1988 \|publisher=Patrick Stephens Limited \|isbn=1-85260-141-8 \|pages=185–186}}</ref> Production continued at the [[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] in [[Avadi]] until 1983 with 2,200 being built.
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	The Vijayanta was to be phased out by the Indian Army by 2008 (the decision to phase out 296 "pre Mark 1A tanks" was already taken in 1997<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web\|url=http://164.100.24.208/ls/committeeR/PAC/5th.htm \|title=Public Accounts Committee Fifth Report\|publisher=164.100.24.208 \|access-date=2012-03-18}}</ref>). In 1997 the plan to repower the Vijayanta was shelved.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> The overhauling of the fleet was discontinued from the year 1999–2000 as the withdrawal from service of the Vijayanta had already been approved. Bulk production of Vijayanta spares ended in 1989.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Equipment/Armour/342-Vijayanta.html \|title=Land Forces Site - Vijayanta \|publisher=Bharat Rakshak \|access-date=2012-03-18 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411164706/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Equipment/Armour/342-Vijayanta.html \|archive-date=April 11, 2012 }}</ref>		The Vijayanta was to be phased out by the Indian Army by 2008 (the decision to phase out 296 "pre Mark 1A tanks" was already taken in 1997<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web\|url=http://164.100.24.208/ls/committeeR/PAC/5th.htm \|title=Public Accounts Committee Fifth Report\|publisher=164.100.24.208 \|access-date=2012-03-18}}</ref>). In 1997 the plan to repower the Vijayanta was shelved.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> The overhauling of the fleet was discontinued from the year 1999–2000 as the withdrawal from service of the Vijayanta had already been approved. Bulk production of Vijayanta spares ended in 1989.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Equipment/Armour/342-Vijayanta.html \|title=Land Forces Site - Vijayanta \|publisher=Bharat Rakshak \|access-date=2012-03-18 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411164706/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Equipment/Armour/342-Vijayanta.html \|archive-date=April 11, 2012 }}</ref>

	A number of the tank hulls were converted to other uses such as self-propelled guns after being withdrawn from service.<ref name=TGelbart>{{cite book \|last=Gelbart \|first=Marsh \|title=Tanks main battle and light tanks \|year=1996 \|publisher=Brassey’s UK Ltd \|pages=39–40 \|isbn=1-85753-168-X}}</ref> The Vijayanta has been supplemented by the [[T-72]]M1 in Indian service.		A number of the tank hulls were converted to other uses such as self-propelled guns after being withdrawn from service.<ref name=TGelbart>{{cite book \|last=Gelbart \|first=Marsh \|title=Tanks main battle and light tanks \|year=1996 \|publisher=Brassey’s UK Ltd \|pages=39–40 \|isbn=1-85753-168-X}}</ref> The Vijayanta has been supplemented by the [[T-72]]M1 in Indian service.

	In 2016, the Vijayanta was seen in commemorative postage stamps.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mintageworld.com/media/detail/2605-the-pride-of-india-vijayanta\|title=The Pride of India - Vijayanta on Postage Stamp\|date=December 12, 2016\|website=Mintage World}}</ref>		In 2016, the Vijayanta was seen in commemorative postage stamps.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mintageworld.com/media/detail/2605-the-pride-of-india-vijayanta\|title=The Pride of India - Vijayanta on Postage Stamp\|date=December 12, 2016\|website=Mintage World}}</ref>
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	==Upgrades==		==Upgrades==
	* 70 '''Vijayanta Mark 1''' tanks were later fitted with [[Marconi Company\|Marconi]]'s SFCS 600 fire control system; an option for 70 additional systems was not exercised.<ref name="Elfnet">{{cite web\|url=http://www.elfnet.hu/haditechnika/harckocsik/vickersmark1.php\|title=Vickers Mark 1 - Elfnet.hu\|website=www.elfnet.hu}}</ref> Under the "Bison" project, there have been several attempts to upgrade the Vijayanta fleet with additional armour (the [[Kanchan armour\|Kanchan]] advanced [[composite armour]] as found on the [[Arjun (tank)\|Arjun]] tank), a new engine (the [[T-72]]'s V-84 of 780 hp), a new fire control system (the SUV-T55A), a land navigation system etc.<ref name="TE">{{cite web\|url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/India/Vijayanta.php\|title=Vijayanta\|date=November 14, ~~2022~~}}</ref> It was planned to upgrade some 1,100 tanks but it appears that eventually only a small number was upgraded, only partially.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/>		* 70 '''Vijayanta Mark 1''' tanks were later fitted with [[Marconi Company\|Marconi]]'s SFCS 600 fire control system; an option for 70 additional systems was not exercised.<ref name="Elfnet">{{cite web\|url=http://www.elfnet.hu/haditechnika/harckocsik/vickersmark1.php\|title=Vickers Mark 1 - Elfnet.hu\|website=www.elfnet.hu}}</ref> Under the "Bison" project, there have been several attempts to upgrade the Vijayanta fleet with additional armour (the [[Kanchan armour\|Kanchan]] advanced [[composite armour]] as found on the [[Arjun (tank)\|Arjun]] tank), a new engine (the [[T-72]]'s V-84 of 780 hp), a new fire control system (the SUV-T55A), a land navigation system etc.<ref name="TE">{{cite web\|url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/India/Vijayanta.php\|title=Vijayanta\|date=November 14, 2014}}</ref> It was planned to upgrade some 1,100 tanks but it appears that eventually only a small number was upgraded, only partially.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/>
	* '''Vijayanta Mark 1A''': Has the Bharat Electronics Tank Fire-Control System AL 4420 with improved sight mounts and muzzle reference system.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> Plans called for 1100 Mark 1s to the Mark 1A standard.<ref name="Elfnet"/>		* '''Vijayanta Mark 1A''': Has the Bharat Electronics Tank Fire-Control System AL 4420 with improved sight mounts and muzzle reference system.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> Plans called for 1100 Mark 1s to the Mark 1A standard.<ref name="Elfnet"/>
	* '''Vijayanta Mark 1B''': Outfitted with the AL 4421 system which incorporates a British [[Barr and Stroud\|Barr & Stroud]] Tank Laser Sight and a computer to increase first round hit probability.<ref name="TE"/>		* '''Vijayanta Mark 1B''': Outfitted with the AL 4421 system which incorporates a British [[Barr and Stroud\|Barr & Stroud]] Tank Laser Sight and a computer to increase first round hit probability.<ref name="TE"/>
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	[[File:Vijayanta - Main Battle Tank 4150184.JPG\|thumb\|left\|Vijayanta on static display in Port Blair]]		[[File:Vijayanta - Main Battle Tank 4150184.JPG\|thumb\|left\|Vijayanta on static display in Port Blair]]

	*'''[[M-46 Catapult\|Catapult SPA]]''' – [[Self-propelled artillery]]. A Russian [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)\|M-46]] field gun was mounted on a lengthened Vijayanta hull in an open-topped armoured box superstructure.<ref>{{~~cite~~ web\|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm\|~~title~~=~~Arjun Catapult 130 mm Self-Propelled Gun \| Military-Today~~.~~com\|website=~~www.military-today.com}}</ref> The variants consists of the Catapult Mark I and Mark II, the latter having STANAG Level II ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2014_show_daily_news_-_coverage_-_report/catapult_mk-ii_130mm_tracked_self-propelled_howitzer_based_on_arjun_mk-i_tank_unveiled_defexpo_10021.html \|title=Catapult Mk-II 130mm tracked self-propelled howitzer based on Arjun Mk-I tank unveiled Defexpo 10021 \|publisher=Armyrecognition.com \|access-date=2020-03-29 ~~\|url-status=live~~}}</ref> This was developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment.<ref>{{cite news \| url =http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \| publisher =DRDO \| title =Tech Focus \| pages =20 \|date =2014-05-01 \| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134222/http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \|access-date=2014-05-01 \| archive-date =2014-05-13 \|url-status=live}}</ref>		*'''[[M-46 Catapult\|Catapult SPA]]''' – [[Self-propelled artillery]]. A Russian [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)\|M-46]] field gun was mounted on a lengthened Vijayanta hull in an open-topped armoured box superstructure.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140519154103/http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=May 19, 2014\|title=Arjun Catapult 130-mm self-propelled gun}}</ref> The variants consists of the Catapult Mark I and Mark II, the latter having STANAG Level II ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2014_show_daily_news_-_coverage_-_report/catapult_mk-ii_130mm_tracked_self-propelled_howitzer_based_on_arjun_mk-i_tank_unveiled_defexpo_10021.html \|title=Catapult Mk-II 130mm tracked self-propelled howitzer based on Arjun Mk-I tank unveiled Defexpo 10021 \|publisher=Armyrecognition.com \|access-date=2020-03-29 }}</ref> This was developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment.<ref>{{cite news \| url =http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \| publisher =DRDO \| title =Tech Focus \| pages =20 \|date =2014-05-01 \| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134222/http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \|access-date=2014-05-01 \| archive-date =2014-05-13 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	*'''[[Kartik BLT\|Kartik AVLB]]''' – [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge]] designed and developed by [[CVRDE]] and [[Research and Development Establishment]], [[Pune]]. Uses the same elongated hull as the Catapult, with seven bogie wheel stations. The Kartik uses a hydraulically operated scissors-style bridge of [[Eastern European]] design, and was first introduced in 1989. The basic vehicle is powered by indigenously manufactured 6-cylinder, opposed piston, vertical in line, water cooled, two stroke CI engine with uni-flow scavenging coupled to a semiautomatic transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse speed. Suspension is provided by trailing arm type torsion bar with all road wheel stations the vehicle also has secondary torsion bars and double acting telescope shock absorbers in the two front and rear stations.<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://forceindia.net/cover-story/first-in-last-out/ \|title =First In, Last Out \| access-date=17 May 2021 ~~\|url-status= live~~}}</ref> As of 2003, 34 Kartiks were produced.<ref name="Forecast">{{cite web\|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=401 \|title=Vickers Tanks report \|publisher=www.forecastinternational.com \|date=2005 \|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| url= https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/Galleries/Mod/Logistics/Engineers/0362.jpg.html \| title =Kartik Bridge Layer Tank \| website = Bharat Rakshak \| access-date= 17 May 2021 ~~\|url-status =live~~}}</ref>		*'''[[Kartik BLT\|Kartik AVLB]]''' – [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge]] designed and developed by [[CVRDE]] and [[Research and Development Establishment]], [[Pune]]. Uses the same elongated hull as the Catapult, with seven bogie wheel stations. The Kartik uses a hydraulically operated scissors-style bridge of [[Eastern European]] design, and was first introduced in 1989. The basic vehicle is powered by indigenously manufactured 6-cylinder, opposed piston, vertical in line, water cooled, two stroke CI engine with uni-flow scavenging coupled to a semiautomatic transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse speed. Suspension is provided by trailing arm type torsion bar with all road wheel stations the vehicle also has secondary torsion bars and double acting telescope shock absorbers in the two front and rear stations.<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://forceindia.net/cover-story/first-in-last-out/ \|title =First In, Last Out \| access-date=17 May 2021 }}</ref> As of 2003, 34 Kartiks were produced.<ref name="Forecast">{{cite web\|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=401 \|title=Vickers Tanks report \|publisher=www.forecastinternational.com \|date=2005 \|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| url= https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/Galleries/Mod/Logistics/Engineers/0362.jpg.html \| title =Kartik Bridge Layer Tank \| website = Bharat Rakshak \| access-date= 17 May 2021 }}</ref>
	*'''Vijayanta ARV''' – [[Armoured recovery vehicle]] based on the Vijayanta hull. The design was optimised to keep the weight within 40 tons to achieve a lifting capacity of 10 tons and pulling capacity of 25 tons. Around 200 numbers them have been purchased by Indian army to replace the obsolete Sherman and Centurion ARVs.		*'''Vijayanta ARV''' – [[Armoured recovery vehicle]] based on the Vijayanta hull. The design was optimised to keep the weight within 40 tons to achieve a lifting capacity of 10 tons and pulling capacity of 25 tons. Around 200 numbers them have been purchased by Indian army to replace the obsolete Sherman and Centurion ARVs.
	*'''CEASE''' - The Canal Embankment ASsault Equipment (CEASE) is a special type of bridging system developed by the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(Engrs)), Pune. It is suitable for high bank canals up to 4.5m. as encountered in India's western borders. The project was sanction in April 1989 and cost of Rs 12.20 crores was incurred on it. Six tracked vehicles of CEASE were developed as variants of Vijayanta. As of 1998, user assisted technical evaluation of the system was completed successfully. Since the tanks on which the system had been developed became obsolescent, the Indian Army decided to opt for [[DRDO Sarvatra]] bridge.<ref name="TE"/>		*'''CEASE''' - The Canal Embankment ASsault Equipment (CEASE) is a special type of bridging system developed by the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(Engrs)), Pune. It is suitable for high bank canals up to 4.5m. as encountered in India's western borders. The project was sanction in April 1989 and cost of Rs 12.20 crores was incurred on it. Six tracked vehicles of CEASE were developed as variants of Vijayanta. As of 1998, user assisted technical evaluation of the system was completed successfully. Since the tanks on which the system had been developed became obsolescent, the Indian Army decided to opt for [[DRDO Sarvatra]] bridge.<ref name="TE"/>
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	{{commons category\|Vijayanta tanks}}		{{commons category\|Vijayanta tanks}}
	~~{{portalbar\|Tanks}}~~
	{{Cold War tanks\|style=wide}}		{{Cold War tanks\|style=wide}}

	[[Category:Main battle tanks of India]]		[[Category:Main battle tanks of India]]
	[[Category:Main battle tanks of the Cold War]]		[[Category:Main battle tanks of the Cold War]]
	~~[[Category:Post–Cold War main battle tanks]]~~
	[[Category:India–United Kingdom military relations]]		[[Category:India–United Kingdom military relations]]
	[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1960s]]		[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1960s]]

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2022-08-16T13:07:34Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 18:37, 16 August 2022
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	{{Infobox weapon		{{Infobox weapon
	\| name = ''Vijayanta''		\| name = ''Vijayanta''
	\| image = File:~~WLUS~~ (25).jpg		\| image = File:Yoddhasthal Permanent Exhibition Southern command Indian Army Bhopal (80).jpg
	\| image_size = 300		\| image_size = 300
	\| caption = ''Vijayanta'' MBT on static display in Bhopal.		\| caption = ''Vijayanta'' MBT on static display in Bhopal
	\| origin = [[United Kingdom]]/[[India]]		\| origin = [[United Kingdom]]/[[India]]
	\| type = [[Main battle tank]]		\| type = [[Main battle tank]]
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	\| is_UK = yes		\| is_UK = yes
	<!-- Service history -->		<!-- Service history -->
	\| service = ~~1965 - present~~		\| service = 1965–present
	\| used_by = [[India]]		\| used_by = [[India]]
	\| wars = [[Indo-Pakistani War of ~~1971~~]] <br> [[~~Operation Blue Star~~]] <br> [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff]]		\| wars = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] <br> [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] <br> [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff]]
	<!-- Production history -->		<!-- Production history -->
	\| designer =		\| designer =
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	\| manufacturer = [[Vickers-Armstrongs]] (Initial Production)<br/>[[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] (Indian Production)		\| manufacturer = [[Vickers-Armstrongs]] (Initial Production)<br/>[[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] (Indian Production)
	\| unit_cost =		\| unit_cost =
	\| production_date = 1963 (Vickers Mk.I prototype)<br/>~~1965-1986~~ (''Vijayanta'' production)		\| production_date = 1963 (Vickers Mk.1 prototype)<br/>1965–1986 (''Vijayanta'' production)
	\| number = ~~2200~~		\| number = 2,200
	\| variants =		\| variants =
	<!-- General specifications -->		<!-- General specifications -->
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	In 2016, the Vijayanta was seen in commemorative postage stamps.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mintageworld.com/media/detail/2605-the-pride-of-india-vijayanta\|title=The Pride of India - Vijayanta on Postage Stamp\|date=December 12, 2016\|website=Mintage World}}</ref>		In 2016, the Vijayanta was seen in commemorative postage stamps.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mintageworld.com/media/detail/2605-the-pride-of-india-vijayanta\|title=The Pride of India - Vijayanta on Postage Stamp\|date=December 12, 2016\|website=Mintage World}}</ref>

	Retired Vijayanta tanks have been used as static artillery, and utilized in engagements along the line of control during the [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff\|2019 Indo-Pakistani standoff]].<ref>{{cite ~~web~~\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-pakistan-army-soldiers-killed-in-loc-firing-by-indian-troops-1475613-2019-03-11\|title=6 Pakistan Army soldiers killed in LoC firing by Indian troops\|~~first1~~=Manjeet Singh Negi ~~New~~\|~~last1=DelhiMarch 11\|first2=2019UPDATED\|last2~~=March 11~~\|first3=~~2019 ~~20:45\|last3=Ist~~\|~~website~~=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/transformers-retired-tanks-functioning-as-bunkers-975973-2017-05-09\|title=Transformers: Retired tanks functioning as bunkers\|website=India Today}}</ref>		Retired Vijayanta tanks have been used as static artillery, and utilized in engagements along the line of control during the [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff\|2019 Indo-Pakistani standoff]].<ref>{{cite magazine\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-pakistan-army-soldiers-killed-in-loc-firing-by-indian-troops-1475613-2019-03-11\|title=6 Pakistan Army soldiers killed in LoC firing by Indian troops\|author=Manjeet Singh Negi \|date=March 11, 2019 \|magazine=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/transformers-retired-tanks-functioning-as-bunkers-975973-2017-05-09\|title=Transformers: Retired tanks functioning as bunkers\|website=India Today}}</ref>

	==Upgrades==		==Upgrades==
	* 70 '''Vijayanta Mark 1''' tanks were later fitted with [[Marconi Company\|Marconi]]'s SFCS 600 fire control system; an option for 70 additional systems was not exercised.<ref name="Elfnet">{{cite web\|url=http://www.elfnet.hu/haditechnika/harckocsik/vickersmark1.php\|title=Vickers Mark 1 - Elfnet.hu\|website=www.elfnet.hu}}</ref> Under the "Bison" project, there have been several attempts to upgrade the Vijayanta fleet with additional armour (the [[Kanchan armour\|Kanchan]] advanced [[composite armour]] as found on the [[Arjun (tank)\|Arjun]] tank), a new engine (the [[T-72]]'s V-84 of 780 hp), a new fire control system (the SUV-T55A), a land navigation system etc.<ref name="TE">{{cite web\|url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/India/Vijayanta.php\|title=Vijayanta\|date=November 14, ~~2014~~}}</ref> It was planned to upgrade some 1,100 tanks but it appears that eventually only a small number was upgraded, only partially.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/>		* 70 '''Vijayanta Mark 1''' tanks were later fitted with [[Marconi Company\|Marconi]]'s SFCS 600 fire control system; an option for 70 additional systems was not exercised.<ref name="Elfnet">{{cite web\|url=http://www.elfnet.hu/haditechnika/harckocsik/vickersmark1.php\|title=Vickers Mark 1 - Elfnet.hu\|website=www.elfnet.hu}}</ref> Under the "Bison" project, there have been several attempts to upgrade the Vijayanta fleet with additional armour (the [[Kanchan armour\|Kanchan]] advanced [[composite armour]] as found on the [[Arjun (tank)\|Arjun]] tank), a new engine (the [[T-72]]'s V-84 of 780 hp), a new fire control system (the SUV-T55A), a land navigation system etc.<ref name="TE">{{cite web\|url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/India/Vijayanta.php\|title=Vijayanta\|date=November 14, 2022}}</ref> It was planned to upgrade some 1,100 tanks but it appears that eventually only a small number was upgraded, only partially.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/>
	* '''Vijayanta Mark 1A''': Has the Bharat Electronics Tank Fire-Control System AL 4420 with improved sight mounts and muzzle reference system.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> Plans called for 1100 Mark 1s to the Mark 1A standard.<ref name="Elfnet"/>		* '''Vijayanta Mark 1A''': Has the Bharat Electronics Tank Fire-Control System AL 4420 with improved sight mounts and muzzle reference system.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> Plans called for 1100 Mark 1s to the Mark 1A standard.<ref name="Elfnet"/>
	* '''Vijayanta Mark 1B''': Outfitted with the AL 4421 system which incorporates a British [[Barr and Stroud\|Barr & Stroud]] Tank Laser Sight and a computer to increase first round hit probability.<ref name="TE"/>		* '''Vijayanta Mark 1B''': Outfitted with the AL 4421 system which incorporates a British [[Barr and Stroud\|Barr & Stroud]] Tank Laser Sight and a computer to increase first round hit probability.<ref name="TE"/>
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	*'''[[M-46 Catapult\|Catapult SPA]]''' – [[Self-propelled artillery]]. A Russian [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)\|M-46]] field gun was mounted on a lengthened Vijayanta hull in an open-topped armoured box superstructure.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm\|title=Arjun Catapult 130 mm Self-Propelled Gun \| Military-Today.com\|website=www.military-today.com}}</ref> The variants consists of the Catapult Mark I and Mark II, the latter having STANAG Level II ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2014_show_daily_news_-_coverage_-_report/catapult_mk-ii_130mm_tracked_self-propelled_howitzer_based_on_arjun_mk-i_tank_unveiled_defexpo_10021.html \|title=Catapult Mk-II 130mm tracked self-propelled howitzer based on Arjun Mk-I tank unveiled Defexpo 10021 \|publisher=Armyrecognition.com \|access-date=2020-03-29 \|url-status=live}}</ref> This was developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment.<ref>{{cite news \| url =http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \| publisher =DRDO \| title =Tech Focus \| pages =20 \|date =2014-05-01 \| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134222/http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \|access-date=2014-05-01 \| archive-date =2014-05-13 \|url-status=live}}</ref>		*'''[[M-46 Catapult\|Catapult SPA]]''' – [[Self-propelled artillery]]. A Russian [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)\|M-46]] field gun was mounted on a lengthened Vijayanta hull in an open-topped armoured box superstructure.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm\|title=Arjun Catapult 130 mm Self-Propelled Gun \| Military-Today.com\|website=www.military-today.com}}</ref> The variants consists of the Catapult Mark I and Mark II, the latter having STANAG Level II ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2014_show_daily_news_-_coverage_-_report/catapult_mk-ii_130mm_tracked_self-propelled_howitzer_based_on_arjun_mk-i_tank_unveiled_defexpo_10021.html \|title=Catapult Mk-II 130mm tracked self-propelled howitzer based on Arjun Mk-I tank unveiled Defexpo 10021 \|publisher=Armyrecognition.com \|access-date=2020-03-29 \|url-status=live}}</ref> This was developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment.<ref>{{cite news \| url =http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \| publisher =DRDO \| title =Tech Focus \| pages =20 \|date =2014-05-01 \| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134222/http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \|access-date=2014-05-01 \| archive-date =2014-05-13 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	*'''[[Kartik BLT\|Kartik AVLB]]''' – [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge]]. ~~The~~ same elongated hull ~~used for~~ the Catapult ~~was also used to create the Kartik bridge launching vehicle~~. The Kartik uses a scissors style bridge of [[Eastern European]] design, and was first introduced in 1989.<ref name="Forecast">{{cite web\|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=401 \|title=Vickers Tanks report \|publisher=www.forecastinternational.com \|date=2005 \|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref> ~~As of 2003, 34 Kartiks were produced.~~<ref ~~name~~=~~"Forecast"~~/>		*'''[[Kartik BLT\|Kartik AVLB]]''' – [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge]] designed and developed by [[CVRDE]] and [[Research and Development Establishment]], [[Pune]]. Uses the same elongated hull as the Catapult, with seven bogie wheel stations. The Kartik uses a hydraulically operated scissors-style bridge of [[Eastern European]] design, and was first introduced in 1989. The basic vehicle is powered by indigenously manufactured 6-cylinder, opposed piston, vertical in line, water cooled, two stroke CI engine with uni-flow scavenging coupled to a semiautomatic transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse speed. Suspension is provided by trailing arm type torsion bar with all road wheel stations the vehicle also has secondary torsion bars and double acting telescope shock absorbers in the two front and rear stations.<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://forceindia.net/cover-story/first-in-last-out/ \|title =First In, Last Out \| access-date=17 May 2021 \|url-status= live}}</ref> As of 2003, 34 Kartiks were produced.<ref name="Forecast">{{cite web\|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=401 \|title=Vickers Tanks report \|publisher=www.forecastinternational.com \|date=2005 \|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| url= https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/Galleries/Mod/Logistics/Engineers/0362.jpg.html \| title =Kartik Bridge Layer Tank \| website = Bharat Rakshak \| access-date= 17 May 2021 \|url-status =live}}</ref>
	*'''Vijayanta ARV''' – [[Armoured recovery vehicle]] based on the Vijayanta hull. The design was optimised to keep the weight within 40 tons to achieve a lifting capacity of 10 tons and pulling capacity of 25 tons. Around 200 numbers them have been purchased by Indian army to replace the obsolete Sherman and Centurion ARVs.		*'''Vijayanta ARV''' – [[Armoured recovery vehicle]] based on the Vijayanta hull. The design was optimised to keep the weight within 40 tons to achieve a lifting capacity of 10 tons and pulling capacity of 25 tons. Around 200 numbers them have been purchased by Indian army to replace the obsolete Sherman and Centurion ARVs.
	*'''CEASE''' - The Canal Embankment ASsault Equipment (CEASE) is a special type of bridging system developed by the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(Engrs)), Pune. It is suitable for high bank canals up to 4.5m. as encountered in India's western borders. The project was sanction in April 1989 and cost of Rs 12.20 crores was incurred on it. Six tracked vehicles of CEASE were developed as variants of Vijayanta. As of 1998, user assisted technical evaluation of the system was completed successfully. Since the tanks on which the system had been developed became obsolescent, the Indian Army decided to opt for [[DRDO Sarvatra]] bridge.<ref name="TE"/>		*'''CEASE''' - The Canal Embankment ASsault Equipment (CEASE) is a special type of bridging system developed by the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(Engrs)), Pune. It is suitable for high bank canals up to 4.5m. as encountered in India's western borders. The project was sanction in April 1989 and cost of Rs 12.20 crores was incurred on it. Six tracked vehicles of CEASE were developed as variants of Vijayanta. As of 1998, user assisted technical evaluation of the system was completed successfully. Since the tanks on which the system had been developed became obsolescent, the Indian Army decided to opt for [[DRDO Sarvatra]] bridge.<ref name="TE"/>

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← Older revision		Revision as of 11:36, 11 December 2021
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	[[File:Vijayanta - Main Battle Tank 4150184.JPG\|thumb\|left\|Vijayanta on static display in Port Blair]]		[[File:Vijayanta - Main Battle Tank 4150184.JPG\|thumb\|left\|Vijayanta on static display in Port Blair]]

	*'''[[M-46 Catapult\|Catapult SPA]]''' – [[Self-propelled artillery]]. A Russian [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)\|M-46]] field gun was mounted on a lengthened Vijayanta hull in an open-topped armoured box superstructure.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm\|title=Arjun Catapult 130 mm Self-Propelled Gun \| Military-Today.com\|website=www.military-today.com}}</ref> The variants consists of the Catapult Mark I and Mark II, the latter having STANAG Level II ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2014_show_daily_news_-_coverage_-_report/catapult_mk-ii_130mm_tracked_self-propelled_howitzer_based_on_arjun_mk-i_tank_unveiled_defexpo_10021.html \|title=Catapult Mk-II 130mm tracked self-propelled howitzer based on Arjun Mk-I tank unveiled Defexpo 10021 \|publisher=Armyrecognition.com \|access-date=2020-03-29 \|url-status=live}}</ref> This was developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment.<ref>{{cite news \| url =~~https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134222/~~http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \| publisher =DRDO \| title =Tech Focus \| pages =20 \|date =2014-05-01 \|access-date=2014-05-01 \|url-status=live}}</ref>		*'''[[M-46 Catapult\|Catapult SPA]]''' – [[Self-propelled artillery]]. A Russian [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)\|M-46]] field gun was mounted on a lengthened Vijayanta hull in an open-topped armoured box superstructure.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm\|title=Arjun Catapult 130 mm Self-Propelled Gun \| Military-Today.com\|website=www.military-today.com}}</ref> The variants consists of the Catapult Mark I and Mark II, the latter having STANAG Level II ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2014_show_daily_news_-_coverage_-_report/catapult_mk-ii_130mm_tracked_self-propelled_howitzer_based_on_arjun_mk-i_tank_unveiled_defexpo_10021.html \|title=Catapult Mk-II 130mm tracked self-propelled howitzer based on Arjun Mk-I tank unveiled Defexpo 10021 \|publisher=Armyrecognition.com \|access-date=2020-03-29 \|url-status=live}}</ref> This was developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment.<ref>{{cite news \| url =http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \| publisher =DRDO \| title =Tech Focus \| pages =20 \|date =2014-05-01 \| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134222/http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf \|access-date=2014-05-01 \| archive-date =2014-05-13 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	*'''[[Kartik BLT\|Kartik AVLB]]''' – [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge]]. The same elongated hull used for the Catapult was also used to create the Kartik bridge launching vehicle. The Kartik uses a scissors style bridge of [[Eastern European]] design, and was first introduced in 1989.<ref name="Forecast">{{cite web\|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=401 \|title=Vickers Tanks report \|publisher=www.forecastinternational.com \|date=2005 \|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref> As of 2003, 34 Kartiks were produced.<ref name="Forecast"/>		*'''[[Kartik BLT\|Kartik AVLB]]''' – [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge]]. The same elongated hull used for the Catapult was also used to create the Kartik bridge launching vehicle. The Kartik uses a scissors style bridge of [[Eastern European]] design, and was first introduced in 1989.<ref name="Forecast">{{cite web\|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=401 \|title=Vickers Tanks report \|publisher=www.forecastinternational.com \|date=2005 \|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref> As of 2003, 34 Kartiks were produced.<ref name="Forecast"/>
	*'''Vijayanta ARV''' – [[Armoured recovery vehicle]] based on the Vijayanta hull. The design was optimised to keep the weight within 40 tons to achieve a lifting capacity of 10 tons and pulling capacity of 25 tons. Around 200 numbers them have been purchased by Indian army to replace the obsolete Sherman and Centurion ARVs.		*'''Vijayanta ARV''' – [[Armoured recovery vehicle]] based on the Vijayanta hull. The design was optimised to keep the weight within 40 tons to achieve a lifting capacity of 10 tons and pulling capacity of 25 tons. Around 200 numbers them have been purchased by Indian army to replace the obsolete Sherman and Centurion ARVs.

imported>XavierGreen: Undid revision 1039729999 by I ame shears (talk Look at the sources cited in the article, they specifically state that these are used as mobile pillboxes on the line of control and saw heavy engagement in 2013

2021-08-20T13:51:24Z

Undid revision 1039729999 by I ame shears (talk Look at the sources cited in the article, they specifically state that these are used as mobile pillboxes on the line of control and saw heavy engagement in 2013

New page

{{Italic title}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = ''Vijayanta''
| image = File:WLUS (25).jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = ''Vijayanta'' MBT on static display in Bhopal.
| origin = [[United Kingdom]]/[[India]]
| type = [[Main battle tank]]

| is_vehicle = yes
| is_UK = yes

| service = 1965 - present
| used_by = [[India]]
| wars = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] [[Operation Blue Star]] [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff]]

| designer =
| design_date =
| manufacturer = [[Vickers-Armstrongs]] (Initial Production) [[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] (Indian Production)
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 1963 (Vickers Mk.I prototype) 1965-1986 (''Vijayanta'' production)
| number = 2200
| variants =

| spec_label =
| weight = {{convert|39000|kg|ST|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|9.788|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| part_length =
| width = {{convert|3.168|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|2.711|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| diameter =
| crew = 4

| armour = {{convert|80|mm|in|abbr=on}} steel (hull and turret front)
| primary_armament = 1 x [[Royal Ordnance L7|105 mm L7A2]] (44 rounds)
| secondary_armament = 1 x 12.7 mm MG (ranging gun) (1000 rounds) 1 x 12.7 mm MG (pintle mount) (2000 rounds) 1 x 7.62 mm MG(Co-Ax) (500 rounds)
| engine = [[Leyland L60]] Diesel
| engine_power = {{convert|535|bhp|abbr=on}}
| pw_ratio =
| transmission = [[David Brown Ltd.]] (formerly [[Self-Changing Gears]] Ltd.) TN12 semi-automatic gearbox
| payload_capacity =
| suspension = [[Torsion bar]]
| clearance =
| fuel_capacity =
| vehicle_range = {{convert|530|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| speed = {{convert|50|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| guidance =
| steering =
}}

The '''''Vijayanta''''' (en: "Victorious")<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/indias-main-battle-tank-arrives-in-haldwani.html|title=India's main battle tank arrives in Haldwani|first=The|last=Pioneer|website=The Pioneer}}</ref> was a [[main battle tank]] built in [[India]] based on a licensed design of the [[Vickers MBT|Vickers Mk.1]]. The Vijayanta was the first indigenous tank of the [[Indian Army]].

The prototype was completed in 1963<ref name="globalsecurity1">{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/vijayanta.htm |title=Vijayanta |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=2012-03-18}}</ref> and the tank entered service on December 29, 1965.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2012/mar16-12/h14.htm|title=h14|website=sainiksamachar.nic.in}}</ref> The first 90 vehicles were built by [[Vickers]] in the UK.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Vickers tanks From landships to Challenger |last=Foss |first=Christopher F |author2=McKenzie, Peter |year=1988 |publisher=Patrick Stephens Limited |isbn=1-85260-141-8 |pages=185–186}}</ref> Production continued at the [[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] in [[Avadi]] until 1983 with 2,200 being built.

==History==
The Vijayanta was first made in the UK before production moved to India. Indian production got underway, allowing UK production to cease.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1983/MAR_APR/1983MarchApril.pdf |title=Armor Magazine |publisher=www.benning.army.mil |date=1983 |access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref>

The Vijayanta was to be phased out by the Indian Army by 2008 (the decision to phase out 296 "pre Mark 1A tanks" was already taken in 1997<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://164.100.24.208/ls/committeeR/PAC/5th.htm |title=Public Accounts Committee Fifth Report|publisher=164.100.24.208 |access-date=2012-03-18}}</ref>). In 1997 the plan to repower the Vijayanta was shelved.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> The overhauling of the fleet was discontinued from the year 1999–2000 as the withdrawal from service of the Vijayanta had already been approved. Bulk production of Vijayanta spares ended in 1989.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Equipment/Armour/342-Vijayanta.html |title=Land Forces Site - Vijayanta |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=2012-03-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411164706/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Equipment/Armour/342-Vijayanta.html |archive-date=April 11, 2012 }}</ref>

A number of the tank hulls were converted to other uses such as self-propelled guns after being withdrawn from service.<ref name=TGelbart>{{cite book |last=Gelbart |first=Marsh |title=Tanks main battle and light tanks |year=1996 |publisher=Brassey’s UK Ltd |pages=39–40 |isbn=1-85753-168-X}}</ref> The Vijayanta has been supplemented by the [[T-72]]M1 in Indian service.

In 2016, the Vijayanta was seen in commemorative postage stamps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mintageworld.com/media/detail/2605-the-pride-of-india-vijayanta|title=The Pride of India - Vijayanta on Postage Stamp|date=December 12, 2016|website=Mintage World}}</ref>

Retired Vijayanta tanks have been used as static artillery, and utilized in engagements along the line of control during the [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff|2019 Indo-Pakistani standoff]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-pakistan-army-soldiers-killed-in-loc-firing-by-indian-troops-1475613-2019-03-11|title=6 Pakistan Army soldiers killed in LoC firing by Indian troops|first1=Manjeet Singh Negi New|last1=DelhiMarch 11|first2=2019UPDATED|last2=March 11|first3=2019 20:45|last3=Ist|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/transformers-retired-tanks-functioning-as-bunkers-975973-2017-05-09|title=Transformers: Retired tanks functioning as bunkers|website=India Today}}</ref>

==Upgrades==
* 70 '''Vijayanta Mark 1''' tanks were later fitted with [[Marconi Company|Marconi]]'s SFCS 600 fire control system; an option for 70 additional systems was not exercised.<ref name="Elfnet">{{cite web|url=http://www.elfnet.hu/haditechnika/harckocsik/vickersmark1.php|title=Vickers Mark 1 - Elfnet.hu|website=www.elfnet.hu}}</ref> Under the "Bison" project, there have been several attempts to upgrade the Vijayanta fleet with additional armour (the [[Kanchan armour|Kanchan]] advanced [[composite armour]] as found on the [[Arjun (tank)|Arjun]] tank), a new engine (the [[T-72]]'s V-84 of 780 hp), a new fire control system (the SUV-T55A), a land navigation system etc.<ref name="TE">{{cite web|url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/India/Vijayanta.php|title=Vijayanta|date=November 14, 2014}}</ref> It was planned to upgrade some 1,100 tanks but it appears that eventually only a small number was upgraded, only partially.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/>
* '''Vijayanta Mark 1A''': Has the Bharat Electronics Tank Fire-Control System AL 4420 with improved sight mounts and muzzle reference system.<ref name="globalsecurity1"/> Plans called for 1100 Mark 1s to the Mark 1A standard.<ref name="Elfnet"/>
* '''Vijayanta Mark 1B''': Outfitted with the AL 4421 system which incorporates a British [[Barr and Stroud|Barr & Stroud]] Tank Laser Sight and a computer to increase first round hit probability.<ref name="TE"/>
* '''Vijayanta Mark 1C'''
* '''Vijayanta Mark 2'''

==Variants==
[[File:Vijayanta - Main Battle Tank 4150184.JPG|thumb|left|Vijayanta on static display in Port Blair]]

*'''[[M-46 Catapult|Catapult SPA]]''' – [[Self-propelled artillery]]. A Russian [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)|M-46]] field gun was mounted on a lengthened Vijayanta hull in an open-topped armoured box superstructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/arjun_catapult.htm|title=Arjun Catapult 130 mm Self-Propelled Gun | Military-Today.com|website=www.military-today.com}}</ref> The variants consists of the Catapult Mark I and Mark II, the latter having STANAG Level II ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2014_show_daily_news_-_coverage_-_report/catapult_mk-ii_130mm_tracked_self-propelled_howitzer_based_on_arjun_mk-i_tank_unveiled_defexpo_10021.html |title=Catapult Mk-II 130mm tracked self-propelled howitzer based on Arjun Mk-I tank unveiled Defexpo 10021 |publisher=Armyrecognition.com |access-date=2020-03-29 |url-status=live}}</ref> This was developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment.<ref>{{cite news | url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134222/http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2014/TF_April_2014_WEB.pdf | publisher =DRDO | title =Tech Focus | pages =20 |date =2014-05-01 |access-date=2014-05-01 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''[[Kartik BLT|Kartik AVLB]]''' – [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge]]. The same elongated hull used for the Catapult was also used to create the Kartik bridge launching vehicle. The Kartik uses a scissors style bridge of [[Eastern European]] design, and was first introduced in 1989.<ref name="Forecast">{{cite web|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=401 |title=Vickers Tanks report |publisher=www.forecastinternational.com |date=2005 |access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref> As of 2003, 34 Kartiks were produced.<ref name="Forecast"/>
*'''Vijayanta ARV''' – [[Armoured recovery vehicle]] based on the Vijayanta hull. The design was optimised to keep the weight within 40 tons to achieve a lifting capacity of 10 tons and pulling capacity of 25 tons. Around 200 numbers them have been purchased by Indian army to replace the obsolete Sherman and Centurion ARVs.
*'''CEASE''' - The Canal Embankment ASsault Equipment (CEASE) is a special type of bridging system developed by the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(Engrs)), Pune. It is suitable for high bank canals up to 4.5m. as encountered in India's western borders. The project was sanction in April 1989 and cost of Rs 12.20 crores was incurred on it. Six tracked vehicles of CEASE were developed as variants of Vijayanta. As of 1998, user assisted technical evaluation of the system was completed successfully. Since the tanks on which the system had been developed became obsolescent, the Indian Army decided to opt for [[DRDO Sarvatra]] bridge.<ref name="TE"/>
*'''''Vijayanta'' GBT 155 Turret''' – A Vijayanta MBT chassis fitted with the British Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited GBT 155 turret with a Royal Ordnance Nottingham 39 calibre ordnance underwent extensive firepower and mobility trials in India. This combination was not, however, adopted for service by the Indian Army.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Vijayanta tanks}}
{{portalbar|Tanks}}
{{Cold War tanks|style=wide}}

[[Category:Main battle tanks of India]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War main battle tanks]]
[[Category:India–United Kingdom military relations]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1960s]]