Heavy Vehicles Factory Secures ₹1,560 Crore Contract for 47 T-72 Bridge-Laying Tanks for Indian Army

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹1,560.52 crore contract with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), for the procurement of 47 T-72 Bridge-Laying Tanks (BLTs) for the Indian Army. The agreement, signed on January 21, 2025, in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marks a significant step in bolstering the nation’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the "Make-in-India" initiative.

Strategic Role of T-72 Bridge-Laying Tanks

The T-72 BLT is a specialized armored vehicle designed to support mechanized forces during offensive and defensive operations. Its primary function is to quickly deploy bridges over obstacles such as rivers, ditches, or ravines, ensuring the seamless movement of tanks, armored vehicles, and other heavy equipment in complex battlefield scenarios.

Equipped with an advanced hydraulic bridge-launching mechanism, the T-72 BLT can rapidly deploy and retrieve a 20-meter-long Class 70 bridge capable of supporting vehicles up to 70 tons. This capability significantly enhances battlefield mobility and operational flexibility, giving mechanized forces a critical edge in both defensive and offensive maneuvers.

Specifications of the T-72 BLT

Derived from the T-72 main battle tank chassis, the Bridge-Laying Tank incorporates:

1. Engine and Mobility: Powered by a 780-horsepower V-46 diesel engine, it retains the mobility and speed of the T-72 platform, with a maximum speed of 60 km/h on roads and excellent cross-country performance.
2. Bridge Capacity: The Class 70 bridge can support modern heavy tanks and is capable of being deployed in under 10 minutes, ensuring rapid response in high-pressure scenarios.
3. Armored Protection: The T-72 BLT retains the protective armor of the base tank, safeguarding the crew and equipment from small arms fire and shrapnel during operations.
4. Versatility: The bridge can be retrieved and reused multiple times, offering both offensive and logistical advantages.

Boost to Indigenous Defense Manufacturing

The procurement of these indigenously developed BLTs aligns with the government’s vision of self-reliance in defense production. As a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) project, it strengthens the domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem by involving Indian companies across the supply chain.

The Heavy Vehicles Factory, located in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, has a long-standing legacy of manufacturing tanks and armored vehicles for the Indian Army. This contract will further enhance its production capabilities while generating employment opportunities and driving economic growth in the region.

Operational Importance for the Indian Army

The addition of 47 T-72 BLTs will significantly enhance the Indian Army's mechanized forces. These tanks will ensure faster mobility across challenging terrains, allowing for swift deployment of forces during critical operations. Their ability to support Class 70 load-bearing capacities also ensures compatibility with the latest generation of main battle tanks like the Arjun and T-90, as well as other armored vehicles in the Army’s arsenal.

This procurement reflects the Indian Army's ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve its combat readiness in line with evolving military challenges. With the strategic advantages offered by the T-72 BLTs, the Army’s operational capabilities are expected to receive a considerable boost, particularly in regions with difficult terrain or water obstacles.

In conclusion, the signing of this contract underscores India’s commitment to building a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem while meeting the operational needs of its armed forces. The T-72 BLTs not only enhance battlefield mobility but also serve as a testament to the country’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.