SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
BEML, a frontrunner in the race to supply 170 tracked Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) to the Indian Army, is facing potential hurdles due to ongoing challenges with engine supply for its Arjun tank platform.
The Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) last year seeking ARVs capable of operating in diverse terrains, including plains, deserts, mountains, and high altitudes. BEML had initially positioned its ARRV, based on the Arjun tank chassis, as a strong contender. However, the company’s reliance on MTU engines for the Arjun Mk1A Main Battle Tank (MBT) has cast a shadow over its ARRV bid.
With the supply of MTU engines facing disruptions, BEML’s ARRV program could be delayed. This opens the door for other Indian companies, including Kalyani Group, Mahindra, Tata, and L&T, who have also responded to the RFI.
To address the engine issue, BEML’s Mysuru complex is developing a 1500-horsepower engine, dubbed DATRAN 1500hp, to replace MTU engines on both the Arjun Mk1A and the ARRV. While this indigenous engine holds promise, it is estimated to take 3 to 4 years before it is production-ready. This timeline could significantly impact the Army’s ARRV procurement plans unless private sector companies can offer alternatives based on international OEM platforms.
The competition for the ARV contract is heating up, with multiple players vying for a substantial order. The outcome will depend on various factors, including technical capabilities, pricing, and delivery timelines. The Army’s decision will be crucial in shaping the future of India’s Armoured recovery vehicle fleet.
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