DRDO is in the process of developing a Situational Awareness Unit (SAU) for use on the Arjun Tank.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information, Intelligence (C4I2) system will present situational information to a tank commander in near real time using inputs from Command & Control unit elements, detachments, combat platforms, supporting arms, surveillance devices and headquarters. 

The SAU will facilitate information exchange internally within combat groups as well as Headquarters. 

DRDO has rigged up one tank and two mobile instrumentation Vehicles at Chennai for static and dynamic testing of the system.

The current version of SAU is designed for use at the troop level. A tank troop comprises three tanks - Troop leader and two gun tans. 

Later, DRDO will develop a SAU for use with a squadron, comprising four troops, or 12 tanks, and then upgrade it for use at regimental level.

The troop level SAU comprises tactical computer, MFD and communication system. 

The squadron level system provides the Squadron commander and Squadron 2IC  a tactical computer with server capability, MFD and communication system

The SAU hardware includes rugged open system architecture controller unit with in built GPS, 10.4? rugged LCD Display with Picture in Picture facility for thermal unit and Wireless communication unit with frequency hopping radio supporting both voice and data. It has voice priority. Software consists of presentation and business layer. It supports maps too.

The SAU can be extended to T-72 and T-90 tanks.