I am totally in agreement with you that we have to be safe. And why not?tsriram wrote:Sir,
the question is not about which is perfect but as you yourself say, which is better. Our primary aim to ensure safety of our soldiers under attack and enough firepower at their hands that they can attack enemy mbts from farther away and with a greater accuracy that they can safely pick them off (in an ideal situation say). With such criteria which is the better choice for the IA tank corps.
However, the choice isn't as simple as pitting the two tanks against each other and find out which one outlasts the other. We do have to take into account several things such as uptime, mtbf of various items on board, frequency of servicing, ability to procure spares and ability to make-do when denied spares and importantly avenues for future development and incremental betterment of the platform and upgrades. We have seen examples of the Arjun facing point blank rounds with nary a scratch so to speak which the T-90 just cannot face. Has such a trial been done? I am not aware but is it a definite possibility? Yes. The fact that there are enough examples of the T-90s offering lesser protection to the crew compared to the Abrams or the Merkava makes them a better choice in that respect, does it not? Given that the Arjun is borne out of a similar thought process and is arguably a similar product in this particular area, makes it a better choice. Where is the debate here?
Is the US giving a true account of the hits and damage sustained to the Abrams? Maybe, maybe not. We can take it account but we have our own tests to see for ourselves to compare the two tanks in contest.
It costs money, it means the DRDO is appeased that they are not being abandoned, it means so many imponderables as what I mentioned in my CDM link, which I hope you have read.
All I understand, if you don't mind is that, let us get it and interim given the circumstances get whatever is available as per our pocket, get it!
This issue is such a mess, I cannot answer. But to believe in journalistic nonsense is another issue. Heard the interview on the Women's Bill with an Editor of a newspaper who is anti BJP? He can see nothing good. Not even that everyone across the board supported the Women's Bill.
I am apprehensive of journalist! They have to go with those who pay the money!
I maybe totally wrong.
To be frank, I want a Mercedez, but I have to satisfy myself with a Matiz!
Pay more taxes and have an Abram.
Are we ready?