In a significant move to strengthen its battlefield readiness, the Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth approximately ₹590 crore (around 70 million) for the procurement of advanced mine-clearing systems for its armored fleet. The agreements were finalized in New Delhi on April 21, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The contracts have been awarded to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited, marking a collaboration between public and private sector players in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Advanced Systems for Modern Warfare
At the center of the deal is the procurement of TRAWL Assemblies—specialized minefield-breaching systems designed for integration with T-72 and T-90 tanks operated by the Indian Army.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the TRAWL system plays a critical role in combat scenarios. It enables tanks to safely navigate through minefields by neutralizing anti-tank mines, including those equipped with proximity magnetic fuses. This allows armored units to create secure lanes for troop and vehicle movement during offensive and defensive operations.
Push for Indigenous Defense Production
The procurement falls under India’s “Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category, a key pillar of the government’s self-reliance initiative. The deal underscores ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on foreign defense imports while strengthening domestic capabilities.
Officials noted that the project is expected to:
- Boost India’s indigenous defense manufacturing sector
- Encourage participation from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities
- Enhance technological innovation within the domestic defense industry
Strengthening Military Infrastructure
This latest contract represents a strategic step toward modernizing India’s armored forces and improving battlefield mobility. Minefield breaching systems like TRAWL are essential for ensuring operational momentum in conflict zones, where obstacles such as landmines can significantly hinder troop advancement.
By investing in advanced, locally developed systems, India is not only enhancing its military capabilities but also reinforcing its long-term vision of building a robust and self-sufficient defense ecosystem.