Defense News , India :- The Indian Army has put forward a requirement for 24 vehicles to equip its 4 regiments of Arjun Tanks. During the Vibrant Gujarat summit of 2024, the Vayu Aerospace review disclosed that the Indian Army is initiating the procurement process for 10 Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicles (ARRVs). In 2018, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted approval for the acquisition of Arjun ARRVs.
On September 5, 2023, India issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the acquisition of 170 Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV) based on a tracked platform. The purpose of this RFI is to finalize Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determine the procurement category, and identify potential Indian vendors capable of supplying ARVs within two years of the Contract/Supply Order award, at a rate of at least 50 ARV vehicles per year.
The Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) is a tracked platform designed to offer repair and recovery support during operations, requiring sufficient cross-country mobility and protection. The ARV will be utilized for off-road operations in various environments, including plains, high altitudes, semi-deserts, and deserts.
Key specifications for the ARV include the ability to transport at least six persons (including the driver and commander), equipped with a crane, dozer, winches, general tools, special maintenance tools, ancillary equipment, etc. The vehicle's gross weight should range from 45 to 50 tons, with a carrying capacity of a minimum of 2 tons of spares/equipment on the loading platform. Additionally, the ARV is expected to feature a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) with a 12.7 mm Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun and Smoke Grenade Launcher.
The Arjun Armoured Recovery & Repair Vehicle (ARRV) has been developed by CVRDE, a premier DRDO establishment. It is constructed on the MBT Arjun Mk 1A chassis, ensuring commonality with major automotive sub-systems and components of the MBT Arjun. This commonality streamlines spares inventory, crew training, and maintenance, leading to more efficient logistics management.
The ARRV is equipped for recovering bogged-down vehicles in diverse terrains, performing winch and crane operations, executing earth-moving activities with an Anchor-cum-Dozer (ACD), and repairing armoured vehicles using inbuilt welding and cutting facilities. It also features fuelling and defuelling capabilities, medium fording capability, and an inbuilt Remote Control Weapon System.
Primarily designed to provide recovery and repair support to Arjun MBTs throughout their lifespan, the Arjun ARRV can also be effectively used with other heavy military equipment. Successfully completing various trials, including PSQR USER trials, DGQA trials, MET, and EMI/EMC trials, the new RFI for 170 ARRVs aims to replace the existing WZT3 ARRV supplied by Bumar of Poland, which is based on a T-72 tank chassis.
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