On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence finalized a contract with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), part of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Ltd (AVNL), for the acquisition of 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLTs) for the Indian Army. This procurement amounts to ₹1,560.52 crore and aims to enhance operational connectivity.
The contract was signed by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, HVF, and AVNL, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at North Block.
The Bridge Laying Tank is essential for deploying bridges during both offensive and defensive maneuvers undertaken by mechanized forces. It provides a critical bridging capability to the tank and armored vehicle fleet, significantly improving battlefield mobility and enhancing offensive capabilities.
The procurement of these tanks through a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) route will bolster the Make in India initiative within the defense sector, as highlighted by the Ministry. Additionally, this project is expected to positively impact the economy and create job opportunities across the nation.
The bridging system includes a launching mechanism, bridge superstructure, hydraulics, an auxiliary system, and an electronic control system. The T-72 BLT is equipped with a prefabricated steel bridge that spans 20 meters, enabling it to be deployed over obstacles quickly and facilitating the passage of vehicles. Furthermore, it can instantaneously lay the bridge and retrieve it from the opposite bank after all vehicles have crossed safely.
