Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 21: In a move aimed at strengthening the Indian Army’s operational mobility and mine-clearing capability, the Defence Ministry on Tuesday announced the signing of contracts worth nearly Rs 975 crore for the procurement of TRAWL Assemblies for T-72 and T-90 tanks.
The agreements have been signed with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd, marking a significant step in enhancing battlefield engineering support systems.
According to the ministry, the TRAWL Assembly is a critical minefield breaching equipment developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to improve the Army’s ability to create safe passages through heavily mined areas, including those fitted with advanced anti-tank mines equipped with proximity magnetic fuzes.
Officials said the system will significantly boost the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness by enabling the rapid creation of Vehicle Safe Lanes during combat situations.
The contracts were formally signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, underscoring the government’s continued push towards modernisation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The ministry highlighted that the project will not only enhance combat readiness but also support domestic industry growth. It is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly by strengthening the role of the MSME sector in component manufacturing.
In a related development, the ministry recently signed another major agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of two advanced Mountain Radars for the Indian Air Force, valued at around Rs 1,950 crore. The deal, signed in March, further reflects India’s continued focus on indigenous defence capabilities and modernization of military infrastructure.
Officials reiterated that such initiatives are central to advancing Make in India goals while improving the technological edge of the armed forces.