The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth Rs5.57bn ($74.6m) with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).
Under the contract, 1,512 mine ploughs will be procured for the Indian Army’s battle tank T-90 S/SK.
The mine ploughs will be mounted on the Indian Army’s tanks to help clear minefields.
This allows the tanks to manoeuvre freely, minimising risks to men and machines. The acquisition aims to boost the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Deliveries of the mine ploughs are scheduled to be concluded by 2027.
Once delivered, the weapons will increase the combat capability of the Indian Army.
In a statement, the Indian MoD said: “The contract has Buy and Make (Indian) categorisation with a minimum of 50% indigenous content in make portion of the contract.
“These mine ploughs will be fitted on T-90 Tanks of Indian Armoured Corps which will facilitate individual mobility to Tanks while negotiating mine field.
“Mobility of Tank Fleet will enhance manifold, which in turn would extend the reach of Armoured Formation deep into enemy territory without becoming mine causality.”
The decision comes amidst the border clashes between the Indian Army and Chinese troops along the line of actual control (LAC) in Ladakh.
As part of this, the Indian Army has deployed the T-90 tanks to defend its borders in the Galwan Valley, reported media sources.
