The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a high-value contract amounting to ₹1,560.52 crore with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), a key manufacturing unit under Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), for the procurement of 47 state-of-the-art T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLTs) for the Indian Army. This significant agreement was finalized during a formal ceremony held in New Delhi on January 21, 2025, in the esteemed presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior officials from both the Ministry of Defence and HVFAVNL. The contract reflects the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing the nation’s armed forces by equipping them with advanced, indigenously developed military technologies that can enhance their operational efficiency.

The T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLTs) are highly specialized and versatile pieces of military equipment designed to enable the swift deployment of bridges in combat scenarios. These tanks play a crucial role in providing bridging support to the Indian Army’s Mechanised Forces during both offensive and defensive operations. By integrating this capability directly into its fleet of tanks and armored vehicles, the Indian Army can significantly enhance its battlefield mobility, enabling troops and equipment to maneuver effectively across challenging terrains, rivers, and other obstacles. The acquisition of these BLTs is expected to substantially strengthen the Indian Army’s overall offensive and defensive operational capabilities, particularly in situations where rapid and efficient mobility is critical for mission success.

What makes this contract particularly noteworthy is its alignment with the government’s ambitious Make-in-India initiative, which aims to transform India into a self-reliant hub for defence manufacturing. Categorized under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured), this project prioritizes the development and production of military equipment within the country, utilizing indigenous expertise, resources, and infrastructure. The project is anticipated to play a pivotal role in boosting India’s economy by fostering domestic defence production, supporting local industries, and stimulating job creation across various sectors involved in the manufacturing and supply chain. Furthermore, it underscores the Indian government’s long-term vision of reducing reliance on foreign imports, strengthening the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, and positioning India as a global leader in military technology and innovation.

By focusing on the development of cutting-edge indigenous solutions like the T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks, the Ministry of Defence is not only addressing the immediate operational needs of the Indian Army but also laying the foundation for a more self-reliant and technologically advanced defence sector. The economic ripple effects of this initiative will extend far beyond the defence industry, positively impacting allied industries and contributing to overall national growth. This landmark contract serves as yet another testament to India’s growing capabilities in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced military equipment indigenously, while also strengthening the country’s strategic preparedness for future challenges.

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