Jabalpur: Madhya Pradesh has taken another step towards strengthening its defence manufacturing capabilities with the launch of a T-Series tank overhaul project at the Vehicle Factory in Jabalpur. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed the bhoomi pujan and unveiled the foundation stone for the project.
The project, estimated to cost more than ₹475 crore, is being undertaken at the Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur.
T-Series Tank Overhaul Project Launched
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the project would contribute to the strengthening of the armed forces and highlighted Jabalpur’s long association with defence production.
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He said defence equipment is being manufactured at different factories across Madhya Pradesh and that the state is working to expand industrialisation and employment opportunities.
Yadav also highlighted the state’s industrial and export growth, stating that Madhya Pradesh’s exports have crossed ₹76,000 crore.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Need to Upgrade Army Equipment
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the project as an important step towards making the Indian Army more self-reliant.
He said the relevance of tanks has not ended despite the growing role of drones, missiles and cyber technologies in modern warfare. According to Singh, tanks continue to play an important role in ground operations.
He stressed the need to continuously upgrade military equipment in response to changing warfare technologies.
Key points highlighted by the Defence Minister:
- The project will increase India’s tank overhaul capacity.
- The total tank overhaul capacity is expected to reach 230 tanks annually.
- The project is expected to create employment opportunities in Jabalpur.
- It is also expected to provide opportunities for local small enterprises.
- Jabalpur is being positioned as a centre for defence manufacturing.
MP Emerging as Defence Manufacturing Hub
Singh highlighted the state’s efforts to attract defence-sector investment, particularly in the Gwalior-Chambal region.
He said defence manufacturing units in the region involve investments of more than ₹16,000 crore and described these efforts as part of the foundation for developing Madhya Pradesh as a hub for space, aerospace and defence manufacturing.
The Defence Minister also credited the state government’s industry-friendly policies with helping attract investment.
Defence Production and Exports Rise
Singh cited growth in India’s defence production and exports since 2014.
According to figures shared at the event:
- Domestic defence production has increased from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.80 lakh crore.
- Defence exports have risen from around ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to ₹39,000 crore.
- India has set a target of reaching ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2030.
- The Indian Army has received 4,004 tanks in recent years.
Singh said India needs to reduce dependence on other countries for defence equipment and focus on developing and upgrading weapons and military platforms domestically.
Focus on Jobs and Industrialisation
Chief Minister Yadav said the state government is focusing on industrialisation to create employment opportunities for young people.
He pointed to investments and manufacturing projects in different parts of the state and said Madhya Pradesh is witnessing increased industrial activity.
The Jabalpur project is part of the state’s broader defence manufacturing push, with the government and Defence Ministry highlighting opportunities for local industries and skilled youth.
Jabalpur’s Defence Manufacturing Legacy
The event also highlighted Jabalpur’s established role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. The Vehicle Factory is part of the city’s long-standing defence production infrastructure.
With the launch of the T-Series tank overhaul project, the city is set to undertake additional work related to maintaining and upgrading armoured platforms used by the Indian Army.
