MoD Signs ₹975 Crore TRAWL Assembly System Deal for T-72 and T-90 Tanks

In a significant move to strengthen battlefield mobility and enhance combat readiness, the Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth approximately ₹975 crore with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd for the procurement of advanced TRAWL Assembly systems for the Indian Army's T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks.

The agreements were formalised in New Delhi on April 21, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking a key milestone in India's ongoing push toward indigenous defence manufacturing and modernisation.

Critical Capability for Minefield Warfare

The TRAWL Assembly—developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—is a highly specialized system designed to detect and neutralize anti-tank mines, enabling armoured vehicles to safely navigate through hostile terrain.

Mounted on tanks, the system creates Vehicle Safe Lanes by physically clearing or detonating mines, including those equipped with advanced proximity magnetic fuses. This capability is crucial in modern warfare scenarios, where minefields are extensively used to slow down or halt advancing forces.

By integrating TRAWL systems with frontline battle tanks, the Indian Army will significantly enhance its ability to conduct offensive and defensive manoeuvres in mine-contaminated zones, improving both troop safety and operational tempo.

Strategic Importance in Modern Warfare

Military experts note that minefield breaching systems are a decisive factor in high-intensity conflicts, particularly in border areas and contested terrains. The induction of these systems will allow armoured columns to maintain momentum during operations, reducing vulnerability and increasing survivability.

The T-72 and T-90 tanks form the backbone of India's armoured fleet, and equipping them with advanced mine-clearing capabilities represents a major upgrade in combat engineering support.

A Major Boost to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in Defence

The procurement falls under the "Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)" category, underscoring the government's commitment to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening domestic defence production.

This initiative aligns with the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, positioning Indian companies at the forefront of high-technology defence manufacturing.

BEML, a leading public sector enterprise, and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India), a key private sector player, will collaborate to deliver the systems—demonstrating the growing synergy between public and private sectors in India's defence ecosystem.

Economic and Industrial Impact

Beyond military capability, the project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. A significant portion of components manufacturing will involve Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening supply chains and fostering industrial growth.

Industry analysts highlight that such programmes create a multiplier effect—boosting innovation, skill development, and local manufacturing capacity.

Strengthening India's Defence Preparedness

The induction of indigenous TRAWL systems comes at a time when India is accelerating efforts to modernise its armed forces with advanced, technology-driven solutions tailored to its operational requirements.

By combining cutting-edge research from DRDO with industrial execution by Indian companies, the project exemplifies a self-reliant defence innovation pipeline—from design to deployment.

As India continues to invest in next-generation military capabilities, the ₹975 crore TRAWL procurement stands out as a strategic step toward building a safer, more agile, and technologically advanced armed force.