Ladakh Flash Point

Hey guys, not sure if anyone has seen this yet but

Summary:
As a result of recent tensions, the Indian MoD has called for the rapid induction of light tanks in the Indian Army in order to supplement their T-72s (and the T-90S tanks that they recently sent) at the border. The first option is the development of an indigenous design. DRDO has proposed two designs to fit this requirement, of which both are based on the hull of the K-9 SPH and are powered by a 1000hp MTU engine, but mated to different turrets and have different armaments. One design has a 105mm 'John Cockerill turret' of which is probably related to the turret of the Kaplan MT, and would possibly include an autoloader. The other design has the turret of the T-90S with the 125mm gun, and would certainly retain the autoloader. I'm not sure if it is the best idea to base a tank design (even a light tank) on a hull with lighter armor than a BMP-1, but apparently DRDO is confident enough in their 'tank development expertise created while developing the Arjun tank' and so I wish them the best.

A second option considered by the Indian MoD is the Russian 2S25 Sprut SDM1, which in my opinion seems to be a more sensible choice than both designs offered by DRDO simply because those two high school projects are almost certain to result in failure.

I would also propose a third option for the Indian MoD: they can also choose to procure the VT-5 from China, which is arguably a better choice than the Sprut SDM1 in case the conflict in West TIbet escalates, due to having more advanced equipment than the Sprut SDM1 while also having the firepower that is more than sufficient in dealing with any armored vehicles that would realistically be encountered in the region.

FishWings said:

Hey guys, not sure if anyone has seen this yet but

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Summary:
As a result of recent tensions, the Indian MoD has called for the rapid induction of light tanks in the Indian Army in order to supplement their T-72s (and the T-90S tanks that they recently sent) at the border. The first option is the development of an indigenous design. DRDO has proposed two designs to fit this requirement, of which both are based on the hull of the K-9 SPH and are powered by a 1000hp MTU engine, but mated to different turrets and have different armaments. One design has a 105mm 'John Cockerill turret' of which is probably related to the turret of the Kaplan MT, and would possibly include an autoloader. The other design has the turret of the T-90S with the 125mm gun, and would certainly retain the autoloader. I'm not sure if it is the best idea to base a tank design (even a light tank) on a hull with lighter armor than a BMP-1, but apparently DRDO is confident enough in their 'tank development expertise created while developing the Arjun tank' and so I wish them the best.

A second option considered by the Indian MoD is the Russian 2S25 Sprut SDM1, which in my opinion seems to be a more sensible choice than both designs offered by DRDO simply because those two high school projects are almost certain to result in failure.

I would also propose a third option for the Indian MoD: they can also choose to procure the VT-5 from China, which is arguably a better choice than the Sprut SDM1 in case the conflict in West TIbet escalates, due to having more advanced equipment than the Sprut SDM1 while also having the firepower that is more than sufficient in dealing with any armored vehicles that would realistically be encountered in the region.

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In all absolute seriousness will it be ready by 2055?

Any info on how good Japanese or South Korean tanks are at high altitude?

The Japanese have some light tanks, while Korean tanks would have have mountain operations as a key design requirement.

The easiest and quickest thing the Indians can do is buy off the shelf. If none of the available options are suitable, they would be far better off doing a JV with Japan or SK to modify an existing design or do a clean slate new design than trying to go it alone.

It should be abundantly clear that Indian industry isn’t remotely at a level where it can pull off a major weapons system by themselves. Even with massive foreign help they still managed to obliterate the timeframe while blowing the budget out of the water to deliver products far worse than what was available off the shelf AT THE TIME THEY STARTED DEVELOPMENT.

To settle this very complex problems require solutions worked out by the Diplomats of both India and China. If no Substantial agreements are reached between the 2 major countries, is there a possibility for the UN to mediate? China & India are large neighbours and cooperation should be theIr TOP priorities without either country losing ground. Not easy, but possible. An interesting quote by Confucius (551-479 B.C.) “It is only the Wisest and the very Stupidest who cannot change”.

I think China should use this opportunity to force India to negotiating table on the final resolution and demarcation of the border, no more pushing this under the rug for another time. Don't let India drag it's feet and provoke us again in future. We have near peer competitors to focus on, India isn't one of them to be honest.

For context:

• Modi did not mention China specifically during Independence Day ceremony but discussed India’s ‘supreme’ sovereignty and military capability

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If he never mentioned China from the onset of the Ladakh crisis until now, how can there be a war?

advill said:

To settle this very complex problems require solutions worked out by the Diplomats of both India and China. If no Substantial agreements are reached between the 2 major countries, is there a possibility for the UN to mediate? China & India are large neighbours and cooperation should be theIr TOP priorities without either country losing ground. Not easy, but possible. An interesting quote by Confucius (551-479 B.C.) “It is only the Wisest and the very Stupidest who cannot change”.

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" is there a possibility for the UN to mediate " the answer is No.
It is not a common practice for China to accept 3rd party arbitration thus meddling. China always prefers bilateral negotiation and solution.

Well India is pulling all shots at China, guess they are still hurt from the Ladakh beating, so much for India won by killing hundreds of Chinese troops!

From Business today:

Another blow to China; Indian oil companies discontinue booking Chinese vessels

Government-run oil companies have prohibited hiring tankers owned or operated by Chinese companies, even if the ship is registered in a third country

Numbers of Chinese troops Reportedly killed appear to be gross exaggeration. We know From foreign Media & Indian Sources that 20 Indian troops died, but no Indication or figures given by PLA for their number of casualties. Anyway, hopefully, this India vs China problems will cease ASAP. It does no good for the 2 countries, whether for Trade, Investment & Peaceful relationship If antagonistic approaches Continue by both sides. ”Jaw Jaw NOT War War” ... diplomats must do their parts to find amiable solutions acceptable by Both countries.