NEW DELHI, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The Indian Army is transferring its Vijayanta tanks to infantry units to increase their firepower.
India's Tribune reported that the more than 1,000 Vijayanta tanks, first introduced into the India Army in 1967, are being phased out from service, with complete decommissioning by 2007. The Indian Army decided to transfer some of the tanks to infantry units, however, rather than scrapping them.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity said the Vijayanta tanks would be sent only to infantry units manning defensive positions along India's borders. Some infantry units have already received the tanks and their personnel are undergoing training for them, with the number of tanks varying between battalions. Despite their obsolescence, the tanks would considerably increase the firepower of infantry units in frontline "holding" roles, providing local field commanders an effective and mobile fire support platforms. The elderly Vijayantas are equipped with a 105mm main gun; which can fire high explosive as well as anti-tank ammunition. It also has three machine guns.
As infantry units are receiving advanced surveillance equipment, these can be used effectively in conjugation with the tank's firepower. Indian military specialists are concerned, however, that the elderly tanks could be a strain on manpower and resources of the infantry battalions to which they are transferred.
