New DRDO-BEML pact advances armoured corps mobility

By Staff Report June 11, 2025 6:03 pm IST

BEML and DRDO have signed agreements to produce support vehicles and transport systems for the Arjun Main Battle Tank.

BEML Limited, a “Schedule A” public sector firm under the Ministry of Defence, has signed three key licence agreements with the DRDO’s Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE). These agreements will allow BEML to build advanced support vehicles for the Indian Army’s Armoured Corps on a local scale, hence enhancing indigenous capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat plan.

BEML will produce three critical systems to support the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) under the terms of the agreements. These include the Unit Maintenance Vehicle (UMV) for on-the-spot repairs and recovery during operations, as well as the Unit Repair Vehicle (URV) for more in-depth technical servicing in forward locations. Both vehicles are critical to providing minimal downtime and optimum operating effectiveness for armoured units.

BEML will also manufacture a heavy-duty trailer with hydraulic suspension and steerable axles, capable of transporting 70-tonne tanks and significant military equipment. This trailer is designed to handle a variety of terrains, greatly enhancing field logistics and mobility.

The licences were officially signed at VRDE’s Ahmednagar site. Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO attended the ceremony, as did Sanjay Som, BEML’s Director of Mining & Construction. The collaboration emphasises BEML’s rising significance in defence production, as well as its developing partnership with DRDO to boost national security.

Commenting on the partnership, Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, stated, “This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army through indigenous solutions, fully aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.”

The agreements aim to boost self-reliant defence production and improve mobility support for India’s armoured forces.