{rollo}The Vickers Mk I was a private venture for export only. Perhaps due to the heavy losses Indian's Army had during the war with Pakistan in 1965 (mostly Centurions and M-48), the Indians were willing to accept the manufacture under license of the Mk I, with its 105 mm gun. This tank was developed in late fifties and was manufactured in India under the name of: "Vijayanta". They used the chassis for the development of three more vehicles, one recovery vehicle, one bridge-launcher, and one 130 mm self-propelled gun. Also Kuwait bought 70 Mk Is, delivered between 1970 and 1972.
The next version was the one in the picture, Mk3 MBT, much improved with a new cast turret, a computerised fire control system with laser range-finder, stabilisation system all ellectric, day-night sights, and NBC, entering in the modern tanks world. Like the old Centurion, the Mk I and Mk III use also a ranging tracer 12'7 mm MG, for apply corrections to the main cannon.
