The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with the Heavy Vehicles Factory, a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, for the procurement of 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army.
The total cost of the contract is Rs 1,560.52 crore. The agreement was formally signed by senior officials of the MoD and HVF/AVNL, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, on January 21, 2025, in New Delhi.
Overview of the Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tank (BLT)
A Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) is an armored vehicle equipped with a folding bridge, designed to create temporary crossings during both offensive and defensive operations by mechanized forces. This capability is essential for maintaining mobility during combat situations, enabling tanks and other vehicles to quickly overcome obstacles. It enhances the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Tank and Armoured Vehicle fleet by providing integral bridging capability.
India is modernizing its Army to address threats from China, Pakistan, and emerging challenges along its eastern borders. As part of these modernization efforts, the Indian Army has signed a contract worth ₹700 crores with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). Additionally, they have entered into another contract valued at ₹7,629 crores with L&T for the acquisition of K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Guns.
Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks will be made indigenously under the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Additionally, this project will not only boost the efficiency of the Indian Army but also create more employment opportunities in the country.
