NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, JAN 21
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday inked a deal with Heavy Vehicles Factory, a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, for procurement of 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLTs) for the Indian Army, officials said.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 1,561 crore contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory for 47 T-72-based Bridge Laying Tanks. These indigenously designed tanks will enhance mobility and preparedness for the Indian Army during operations. Made-in-India, these tanks support rapid… pic.twitter.com/XMhlriibL1
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) January 21, 2025
The contract, valued at Rs 1,560.52 crore, was signed by the senior officials of MoD and HVF/AVNL in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
- The indigenously-developed T-72 BTL crucial in Army offensive operations
- Equipment used for deploying bridges on battlefield for tanks, armed vehicles
The indigenously-developed T-72 BTL is deployed to launch bridges during offensive and defensive operations conducted by the armed forces. The equipment, weighing around 49 tons with a seating capacity of three, plays a crucial role in bridging operations for tanks and armoured Army vehicles, enhancing battlefield mobility and offensive capabilities.
“This project reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and is expected to significantly enhance the operational capability of the Indian Army,” a senior official said.
According to a government statement, the recent deal, being a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured), will give impetus to the Make-in-India initiative in defence.
“This project will also play a pivotal role in boosting the overall economy and increasing employment avenues in the country,” the statement added.