Page 14 - MILITARY-STUDIES-2

Role and Equipment used by the Armed Forces Module -IV
Indian Armed Forces :
It is documented in our history how the introduction of tanks at the Zoji la Weapons and War Equip-
ment and Modernisation
Pass in the 1948 war changed the course of the battle and gave victory to the Indian
Army.

Let us look at the various types of Armoured vehicles in service with the Indian Army.

• T-72 and T-90 Tanks : Both these tanks are of Russian origin. The T-72 was Note

the most popular tank after World War II. It was being used by over 40 countries
worldwide. The T- 90 tanks are the upgraded versions of T-72 with greater
mobility, fire power and lethality.

• Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun : It is an indigenously built tank with

advanced features like automatic target locating, tracking and destruction. It has
superior armour protection than the Russian T-90s.

• Bridge Laying Tank : As the name suggests, it is used to lay bridges over

obstacle ridden terrain to enable tanks, troops and logistical transport to cross
over. The indigenously made 20-meter long 'Kartik' bridge laying tank is one of
the widest tank bridges in the world. The bridge can carry all types of tanks and
other vehicles in service with the Indian Army, including the Arjun MBT.

ACTIVITY 10.2

i) Collect pictures of all the different types of tanks discussed in this section
and paste in your notebook.

ii) Look up the internet link given below and read about the Role of tanks in
Battle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwvFlzNjYjU

iii) Use the link given below to watch the movie on the Battle at Zoji la Pass
during 1948 Indo - Pak War. You will get an idea of what it takes to move
the tanks at high altitude and fight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns5ac5iwuZQ

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MILITARY STUDIES 7