- Ministry of Defence inks contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited
- DRDO-developed system to boost T-72/T-90 tanks’ minefield breaching and combat mobility
- ‘Buy (Indian–IDDM)’ push strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fuels MSME ecosystem
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APR 21
In a decisive push to enhance battlefield mobility and indigenous capability, the Ministry of Defence on April 21 signed contracts worth ₹975 crore with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited for the procurement of TRAWL Assemblies for T-72 and T-90 tanks.
The agreements were formalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, underscoring a strategic leap in India’s combat engineering capabilities.
Cutting through minefields, powering operations
The TRAWL Assembly—indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—is a mission-critical system designed to breach minefields and create safe lanes for armoured columns, even in the presence of advanced anti-tank mines with proximity magnetic fuses.
“The TRAWL Assembly… will enhance the minefield breaching capability of the Indian Army,” officials stated.
By enabling the creation of Vehicle Safe Lanes, the system significantly improves operational tempo and survivability in high-intensity combat scenarios.
Indigenisation at the core
Classified under the ‘Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)’ category, the procurement marks a major stride in India’s self-reliance journey.
“The procurement marks a pivotal step towards modernising India’s defence infrastructure and empowering indigenous industries,” the Ministry emphasised.
The project is also expected to catalyse direct and indirect employment, particularly by energising the MSME sector through component manufacturing and supply chains.
Strategic takeaway
With evolving battlefield challenges, mobility through mine-infested terrain remains a decisive factor. The TRAWL deal not only strengthens the Indian Army’s frontline capabilities but also reinforces India’s long-term vision of building a robust, self-reliant defence ecosystem.
