Countering China: India chooses US firm Cummins for engines of indigenous light tank for Indian Army

对抗中国：印度选择美国康明斯公司为国产轻型坦克提供发动机

Countering China: India has chosen American company Cummins to supply engines for its indigenous light tanks, which are urgently needed to counter Chinese deployments in high altitudes, according to an ET report. The project to develop these light tanks was approved last year, with Larsen and Toubro collaborating with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to create a prototype.

对抗中国：据《经济时报》报道，印度选择美国康明斯公司为国产轻型坦克提供发动机，这是印度对抗中国在高海拔地区部署坦克而迫切需要的。开发这些轻型坦克的项目于去年获得批准，拿丁集团（L&T）与国防研究与发展组织(DRDO)合作制造了一辆样品。

However, according to the report the project faced obstacles when a German firm, selected for engine supply due to its high power-to-weight ratio, failed to reach an agreement. Despite months of negotiations, the German company could not commit to delivering the engines on time, even after diplomatic intervention, defence insiders said. This delay hindered the progress of the light tank development. As a result, the decision was made to engage with American companies, and Cummins' offer was accepted.

但是，由于发动机的功率重量比高，被选定为发动机供应商的德国企业未能达成协议，因此该项目遇到了阻碍。防务内部人士表示，尽管经过了数月的谈判，这家德国公司仍无法承诺按时交付发动机，即使在外交干预之后也是如此。这种延迟阻碍了轻型坦克研制的进程。因此，印度决定与美国公司合作，康明斯的报价被接受了。

The Indian Army has estimated that it requires 354 light tanks in the high altitude areas of Ladakh. Out of these, L&T-DRDO will manufacture 59 tanks, while the remaining tanks will be produced by other Indian companies after a bidding process. The development plan for the Indian light tank is named Project Zorawar. This tank will incorporate modern features such as artificial intelligence integration, drone warfare capabilities, and active protection systems.

印度陆军估计，在拉达克高海拔地区需要354辆轻型坦克。其中，L&T-DRDO将制造59辆坦克，其余坦克将在招标后由其他印度公司生产。印度轻型坦克的研发计划被命名为“佐拉瓦尔计划”。该坦克将结合现代技术，如人工智能集成、无人机作战能力和主动保护系统。

The L&T-DRDO option is based on the chassis of the K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery, which is currently in service and manufactured in India for the Army. The light tanks must be able to operate effectively in various terrains, including high altitude areas and island territories. Additionally, they need to be air-transportable for rapid deployment. Officials have emphasized the importance of a lightweight and agile platform with substantial firepower, protection, surveillance, and communication capabilities.

L&T-DRDO选择基于K9 Vajra自行火炮的底盘，该火炮目前在印度陆军服役并在印度生产。轻型坦克必须能够在各种地形上有效作战，包括高海拔地区和岛屿。此外，为了快速部署，需要可空运。官员们强调了轻型灵活平台的重要性，该平台具有强大的火力、保护、监视和通信能力。

The need for a light tank arose two years ago when China deployed a significant number of troops and heavy equipment to disputed areas in eastern Ladakh. China's introduction of new type 15 light tanks along the Line of Actual Control in April 2020 temporarily gave them an advantage. In response, the Indian Army deployed several T-72 and T-90 tanks, which were heavier and designed for operations in plains and deserts. While these deployments had a deterrence impact, they faced limitations in high altitude areas.

两年前，中国在拉达克东部有争议地区部署了大量部队和重型装备，印度对轻型坦克的需求随之出现。中国在2020年4月沿实控线部署的15式轻型坦克暂时给了他们优势。作为回应，印度陆军部署了一些T-72和T-90坦克，这些坦克更重，专为在平原和沙漠作战而设计。虽然这些部署具有威慑作用，但它们在高海拔地区面临限制。

印度时报读者的评论：

Sarvan M

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, India has launched 'Operation Ajay' to repatriate Indians from Israel. Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Government will assist citizens who wish to return from Israel.

在以色列和哈马斯的战争持续之际，印度发起了“Ajay行动”，从以色列疏散印度公民。外交部长苏杰生宣布，政府将协助希望从以色列回国的公民。

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Any initiative to strengthen Indian defense is a good move only. Pray it should continue even after 2024.

任何加强印度国防的举措都是明智之举，祈祷能在2024年之后继续下去。

YESHWANT PANDE

Cummins has been producing engine in India in collaboration with Kirloskar in Pune for last more than sixty years. Whether they were used for Indian battle tank or not is not very well known. However since the battle tank engine issue has been pending means that they were not. With this arrangement now that hurdles will be clear. Good for the country.

康明斯在印度与普纳的Kirloskar合作生产发动机已有60多年的历史，不清楚它们是否生产印度主战坦克的发动机。然而，由于主战坦克发动机的问题一直悬而未决，这意味着他们并没有生产。有了这样的安排，这些障碍将会消除。对国家是好事。

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Why this paper gives "for countering China" as the reason for every news item on Armed Forces equip themselves to make up the long neglected deficiency by the Congress government. The headlines should rather bring out this fact rather than to counter China. The threat from China was there even in 1947! Nehru and other OMs did nothing to develop infrastructure and fortify defence apparatus. They are being made up now.

为什么这报纸总把“对抗中国”作为每一条关于印度加强军备的理由。新闻标题应该揭示这一事实，而不是只提反制中国。中国的威胁早在1947年就存在了

尼赫鲁和其他领导人没有建设基础设施和加强国防装备。现在正在弥补。

Jay Kumar

So all the rethorics of Atmanirbhar , make in India falls apart ! How can we be a strong nation when we aren’t self reliant on defense equipments. Name any economic giant country in the world, who survive by just importing gears to defend itself? The headline is also misleading, can we really counter China that way ?

所以“印度自力更生”，印度制造都失败了！如果国防装备都不能自给自足，我们怎么能成为一个强大的国家。世界上有哪个经济大国，仅仅靠进口武器就能保护自己？标题也是有误导性的，靠这样我们真的能对抗中国吗?

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Kirloskar India has a standing and robust coperation with Cummins. Atmanirbhar does not mean you waste time and energy reinventing the wheel. Yes like China we will not di reverse engineering and claim the development as own. Atmanirbhar means develo infrastructure,,skill sets to manufacture in India and not waste tax payers money like in the time of Congress and UPA. it took 25 years to develop Insas and scrap it in five years.

印度Kirloskar公司与康明斯有着长期而且稳固的合作关系。“自力更生”并不意味着你要浪费时间和精力从重新发明轮子开始。我们不会就像中国那样进行逆向工程，然后声称是自己研发的。“自力更生”意味着在印度建立基础设施和技能，而不是像国大党时代那样浪费纳税人的钱。开发INSAS花了25年，5年就废弃了。

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India needs to go a long way when it comes to Engineering. As of today cannot make a good enough petrol engine for its cars. Tata has shown some innovation but still their basic design is old Meredez style. Every car or Truck made in India has main components designed elsewhere. India needs to catch up quickly.

在工程方面，印度还有很长的路要走。时至今日，印度还不能为其汽车制造出足够好的汽油发动机。塔塔已经展示了一些创新，但他们的基本设计仍然是旧的梅德赛斯风格。印度制造的每辆汽车或卡车的主要部件都是在其他国家设计的。印度需要迅速追赶。

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I work as Senior Technical Advisor in the R&D of multinational company in Houston. Most of my companies designs are done by people in Pune. So I know India has the potential and capability but no desire to lead (until now since the last few years). All petrol cars made in India have foriegn designed engines. Even Mahendra vehicles have foreign engines. Tata cannot make a good enough diesel engine yet they own famous brands like JLR. As I said, ... Read More

我在休斯顿一家跨国公司的研发部门担任高级技术顾问。我公司的大部分设计都是由普纳的人完成的。所以我知道印度有潜力和能力，但没有领导的欲望(直到最近几年)。印度制造的所有汽油车用的都是外国设计的发动机。就连马恒达的汽车也是用外国发动机。塔塔生产不出足够好的柴油发动机，但他们拥有像捷豹路虎这样的著名品牌。

Vijaya Rajan

I was under the impression that indians are world class designers for semiconductors - the pinnacle of tech. Designing an engine should be an easy task for these talented and highly skilled sought after by MNCs.

在我的印象中，印度人是世界级的半导体设计师，掌握尖端技术。对于这些正在被跨国公司追捧的有才华和高技能的人来说，设计发动机应该是一件容易的事。

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Cummins has been in India longtime with kirloskar..nothing is indigenous..

康明斯在印度已经很久了，和kirloskar合作，没有什么是本土的…

No more BS

It's not India choosing US to counter China. It's US choosing (using) India to counter China.

不是印度选择美国来对抗中国。是美国选择(利用)印度来对抗中国。

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Excellent Developments by NDA led BJP.

全国民 主联盟领导的人民党取得了出色的进展。

Subbarao Shamarao

Hamas attack on Israel should be lesson to India also. Pakistan terrorists may plan similar attack in Indian soil. Commanders training should include this type of war also.

哈马斯对以色列的袭击也给印度上了一课。巴基斯坦恐怖分子可能计划在印度境内发动类似袭击。指挥官的训练也应该包括应对这种类型的战斗。

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how is it indigenous..if engines are foreign origin..drdo needs to learn from isro

如果发动机是外国的，怎么能说是国产的，DRDO需要向ISRO学习

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India need more ammunition stockpile as Chinese intent not good...MOD must increase ammunitions mortar production as WW is nearing...

印度需要更多的弹药储备，因为中国不怀好意…随着第三次世界大战的临近，国防部必须增加迫击炮的产量…

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Cummins prospering a better world

康明斯让世界更美好

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will these also be developed in India like the GE jet engine deal signed in PM's visit to US?

这些也会在印度研发吗？就像莫迪总理访问美国时签署的通用电气喷气发动机协议一样?

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China is not only treacherous but its whole range of products are sub-standard. It is foolish to purchase any from China.

中国不仅奸诈，而且其所有产品都不合格。进口中国商品是愚蠢的

Deepak Hegde

Germany will always be an unreliable supplier for military hardware better not go with HDW for the submarines as well !

德国永远是一个不可靠的军事硬件供应商，最好不要买HDW的潜艇 !

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Build build build

建造、建造、建造

Rational Corp

temples?

建寺庙？

Shubhang Pandya

DRDO has been chastised and chronic delays have become a past- showing what a good political leadership can do.

印度国防研究与发展组织(DRDO)受到了严厉批评，长期的拖延已经成为了过去——这表明了一个好的政治领导能做些什么。

Rational Corp

Importing engines from abroad? DRDO is testament to the limits of Indian capacity to innovate and manufacture. Why blame DRDO for what is inherently an Indian thing? Does anyone blame Indians for not wng as many medals as China in Olympics?

从国外进口发动机？DRDO证明了印度创新和制造能力的局限性。为什么要因为本来就是印度的事情而责怪印度国防研究与发展组织?有人会责怪印度人在奥运会上没有中国赢得那么多奖牌吗?

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After the recent developments between Russia & Ukraine, and between Israel & Palestine, it is better that India is between prepared along it's borders.

鉴于俄乌以及以巴之间最近的事态发展，印度最好在边界上做好准备。