Defence Ministry Inks ₹802 Crore Contract for Military Wagons and Equipment

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken significant steps in bolstering indigenous military equipment capabilities with the signing of two contracts amounting to Rs. 802 crore. The first contract, valued at Rs 473 crore, has been executed with Jupiter Wagons Limited for the acquisition of 697 bogie open military (BOM) wagons. Concurrently, the second contract, worth Rs. 329 crore, was formalized with M/s BEML Ltd for the procurement of 56 units of mechanical minefield marking equipment (MMME) Mark II.

The BOM wagons, conceptualized by the Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO), serve as specialized rolling stock enabling the mobilization of Indian Army units. These wagons play a crucial role in transporting various military assets, including light vehicles, artillery guns, BMPs, and engineering equipment, from peacetime locations to operational areas.

According to the MoD's official statement, "This Critical Rolling Stock will ensure speedy and simultaneous induction of units and equipment into operational areas during any conflict situation besides facilitating their peacetime movement for Military exercise and movement of units from one station to another."

The procurement of MMME Mark II represents a strategic adherence to international protocols. Priced at Rs 329 crore, the equipment is designed to operate cross-country with a full load of stores, streamlining the process of marking minefields with minimal time and manpower.

The ministry emphasized, "The equipment is based on an in-service High Mobility Vehicle having advanced mechanical and electrical systems, which will reduce the timings for minefield marking during operations and will enhance the operational capability of the Indian Army."

These contracts align with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting indigenous manufacturing and encouraging private sector participation in defence production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on New Year's Day, highlighted the government's commitment to developing a robust domestic defence industrial ecosystem, making India a strategic economy. He also underscored that this marks the first instance of a decline in defence imports in the country.

Additionally, the minister identified around 509 pieces of defence equipment that can be manufactured indigenously, a move that is poised to further boost the defence manufacturing sector in India.

BS