Defence Ministry signs Rs 975 cr contracts for TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 tanks to boost Army's minefield breaching capability
New Delhi, April 21
The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics Private Limited for the procurement of TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 Tanks, at an approximate cost of Rs 975 crore, the ministry said on Tuesday.The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.According to the ministry, the TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 Tanks is a critical equipment developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which will enhance the minefield breaching capability of the Indian Army.The ministry said the equipment would generate additional capability of creating Vehicle Safe Lanes through minefields with anti-tank mines with proximity magnetic fuses, thus enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.Being a Buy case, the procurement marks a pivotal step towards modernising India's defence infrastructure and empowering indigenous industries under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The ministry further added that the project has immense potential for direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging the MSME sector through component manufacturing.
Earlier in March, the Ministry of Defence signed two contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore and Rs 2,901 crore. The first agreement was to acquire six Advanced Light Helicopters ALH Mk-II in Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The other agreement was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, also under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, the ministry had said.
Prior to that, in February, the Ministry had signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 Aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard at a cost of Rs 2,312 crore under the Buy (Indian) category. The agreements were aimed at reinforcing the government's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India while bolstering India's maritime security architecture.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see the focus on modernisation, but Rs 975 crore is a huge amount. I hope there is complete transparency in the procurement process and the equipment delivers as promised.
DRDO-developed and now being manufactured by Indian companies. This is what self-reliance looks like. The potential for MSME job creation is a very positive side effect. Jai Hind!
The article mentions several big contracts signed recently. It's impressive to see such sustained investment in defence modernization. Minefield breaching is a very specific and vital capability.
Our soldiers deserve the best equipment. Enhancing the T-72 and T-90 fleets with this tech is a smart move. Hope the delivery timelines are met without delays. Salute to our Army!
While boosting defence is crucial, I respectfully hope equivalent focus and funds are also directed towards healthcare and education. A strong nation needs both security and social development.
The technical details about creating "Vehicle Safe Lanes" through minefields are fascinating. It shows a high level of tactical planning and engineering going into our defence preparedness.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.