Defence Ministry Inks Rs 802 Crore Deals For Army Equipment, Boosting 'Make In India' Vision

The Defence Ministry has signed two contracts worth Rs 802 crore for Army equipment, demonstrating the commitment to indigenous manufacturing under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category as reported by The Hindu.

One contract, valued at Rs 473 crore, is with Jupiter Wagons Limited for 697 Bogie Open Military (BOM) wagons.

The second contract, worth Rs 329 crore, is with Bharat Earth Movers Limited for 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME)-Mark II.

The BOM wagons, designed by the Research Design and Standard Organisation, serve as specialist wagons for mobilising Army units, transporting light vehicles, artillery guns, and engineering equipment during peacetime and operational situations.

These wagons facilitate swift and simultaneous induction of units and equipment during conflict scenarios and support peacetime movement for military exercises.

The MMME-Mark II, essential for marking minefields as per international agreements, operates cross-country and is mounted on a high-mobility vehicle.

Designed for efficient minefield marking during operations, the equipment enhances the Army's operational capability.

Both contracts emphasise the government's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' by sourcing equipment and subsystems from indigenous manufacturers and promoting private sector participation in defence production.