New Delhi: In a major step towards strengthening India’s defence preparedness and indigenous manufacturing capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has awarded a ₹590 crore contract to BEML Limited for the supply of advanced trawl assemblies. These systems will be deployed on the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 tanks, significantly enhancing combat engineering capabilities on the battlefield.
Major Contract Signed in New Delhi
The contract agreement was formally signed and exchanged between senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and BEML Limited in New Delhi on April 21, 2026.
This order marks a significant milestone for India’s defence sector, reinforcing the government’s focus on indigenisation and operational readiness.
Indigenous Technology Developed with DRDO
The advanced mine trawl systems have been indigenously designed and developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, particularly its R&D Engineers unit in Pune.
This collaboration highlights the growing strength of India’s defence research ecosystem and represents a major stride towards reducing reliance on foreign imports. The project aligns closely with flagship initiatives such as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’.
Leadership Statement on Strategic Milestone
Commenting on the development, Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Limited, said:
“We are privileged to receive this order from the Ministry of Defence, which reflects the continued trust in BEML’s capabilities and execution excellence. The collaboration with DRDO reflects the strength of India’s defence R&D ecosystem. This order reinforces our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and our resolve to equip the armed forces with reliable, high-quality indigenous solutions.”
Enhanced Battlefield Capability for Indian Army
The trawl assemblies are equipped with multi-layered mine-clearing mechanisms designed to detect and neutralise landmines in combat zones.
These systems will:
- Create safe operational pathways for armoured units
- Improve mobility of T-72 and T-90 tanks
- Enhance survivability of mechanised forces
- Maintain operational momentum in hostile environments
By ensuring safer passage through minefields, these systems provide a decisive tactical advantage in modern warfare.
Boost to India’s Defence Manufacturing and Exports
The development and deployment of such advanced, cost-effective systems are expected to strengthen India’s position in the global anti-mine equipment market.
It also reflects the government’s broader vision of building a robust domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem capable of catering to both national and international requirements.
Strategic Outlook: Strengthening Self-Reliance in Defence
The ₹590 crore contract underscores India’s accelerating push towards self-reliance in defence production. By leveraging indigenous technology and public sector expertise, the government aims to build a resilient, future-ready military infrastructure.
As defence modernisation gathers pace, such collaborations between industry and research institutions are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s strategic capabilities while reducing external dependencies.
About BEML Limited
BEML Limited is a leading multi-technology ‘Schedule A’ public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. The company plays a critical role in supporting India’s core sectors, including Defence, Rail, Mining, and Construction.
BEML operates across three major verticals:
- Defence & Aerospace
- Mining & Construction
- Rail & Metro
It has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Mysore, and Palakkad, supported by a strong R&D ecosystem and nationwide service network. With over six decades of legacy, BEML continues to drive innovation and excellence in heavy equipment manufacturing.
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