On 21 April, India’s Ministry of Defence awarded a contract worth INR5.9 billion (US$64 million) to state-owned firm Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for the supply of mine-clearing trawl assemblies for Indian Army T-90 and T-72 main battle tanks (MBT).
The contract appears to be a follow-on order for the supply of assemblies comprising a mine trawl and track-width mine plough (TWMP). These systems enable MBTs to breach minefields, including those containing antitank mines equipped with proximity magnetic fuses.
BEML will manufacture these trawl systems under license from the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DEE], which is located in Pune and is part of the Defence Research & Development Organisation.
BEML entered into a transfer of technology agreement with R&DEE in February 2023 for the development and production of demining equipment suitable for T-72 and T-90 tanks.
BEML had also earlier been awarded a contract in July 2020 for the supply of 1,512 TWMPs for T-90 S/SK MBTs in a deal worth INR5.57 billion. Under India’s “Buy and Make (Indian)” category, a minimum 50% of indigenous content is required.
BEML at the time had stated it would supply 100 units within twelve months of contract signature, growing to 250 units annually in subsequent years. The entire contract was to be completed by 2027.
The TWMPs are being manufactured at BEML’s facilities with the help of Pearson Engineering in the UK. The de-mining equipment was extensively tested for different soil conditions in the Indian desert, and it was customised for Indian operations.
Pearson Engineering itself received a contract for more than 1,500 TWMPs integrated on T-90S/SK MBTs in January 2021. Deliveries are being made in partnership with BEML. Pearson has previously integrated counter-mine capabilities on Indian T-72, T-90 and Arjun Mk1 tanks, in addition to BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
The Indian Army has an authorised holding of approximately 3,700 MBTs. The indigenously developed Arjun is operated by just two armoured regiments.
by Mike Rajkumar
