SOURCE: AFI
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a cornerstone of India’s defence manufacturing, made a powerful impression at the “Mini Defence Expo” held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in April 2025. The event, a platform to highlight India’s indigenous defence capabilities, saw AVNL showcase its diversified product portfolio, featuring the T-72 Ajeya Tank, the upgraded BMP-II infantry combat vehicle, and the Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV) Jonga.
The AVNL stall drew high-profile attention, with visits from Tanzania’s Honourable Defence Minister, India’s Honourable Raksha Rajya Mantri, the Indian High Commissioner, and other dignitaries, underscoring the growing defence ties between India and Tanzania. This article delves into AVNL’s display, the significance of the showcased platforms, and the broader implications for India’s defence export ambitions.
AVNL, headquartered in Avadi, Chennai, and formed in 2021 as a restructured entity from the Ordnance Factory Board, brought its expertise in armoured vehicle manufacturing to the fore. The expo highlighted three key platforms, each tailored to modern battlefield needs and reflecting India’s push for indigenization:
- T-72 Ajeya Tank: A battle-proven main battle tank (MBT), the T-72 Ajeya, manufactured at AVNL’s Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), boasts a 125 mm smoothbore gun, layered Kanchan armour, and a 780 hp engine, recently upgraded to 1,000 hp through a ?2,000 crore contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for enhanced mobility. With 44 rounds of ammunition and advanced fire control systems, the Ajeya is a versatile MBT for high-intensity conflicts. AVNL’s display emphasized its reliability across diverse terrains, from deserts to urban settings, making it a compelling option for African militaries.
- Upgraded BMP-II Sarath: The BMP-II, produced at Ordnance Factory Medak, is an amphibious infantry combat vehicle (ICV) with a 30 mm cannon, Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles, and a 7.62 mm machine gun. The upgraded variant, BMP-IIK, showcased at the expo, features a night-enabled fire control system, automatic target tracking, and next-generation missile capabilities. Weighing 14.3 tons and capable of 7 km/h in water, the BMP-II’s 98.5% indigenization level highlights AVNL’s manufacturing prowess. A ?7,000 crore contract to modernize 693 BMP-IIs for the Indian Army underscores its relevance, with export potential for nations seeking cost-effective ICVs.
- LBPV Jonga: A nod to nostalgia and innovation, the Light Bullet Proof Vehicle Jonga, revived by AVNL’s Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), is a modernized version of the iconic Nissan Jonga used by the Indian Army until the 1990s. Equipped with bulletproof glass, a V-shaped hull for mine resistance, and run-flat tyres, the LBPV Jonga offers protection against 9 mm and 7.62 mm rounds. Its 4×4 mobility and 10-ton winch make it ideal for counter-insurgency, reconnaissance, and VIP security. The Jonga’s lightweight design and affordability position it as an attractive choice for Tanzania’s internal security needs.
The AVNL stall was a focal point of the expo, graced by Tanzania’s Defence Minister, whose presence signalled keen interest in India’s defence offerings. Accompanied by India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri, Seth Sanjay, and the Indian High Commissioner, the visit highlighted the strengthening bilateral defence relationship. Posts on X from April 14, 2025, by AVNL and Chennai’s defence PRO captured the moment, noting the dignitaries’ appreciation for the platforms’ indigenous design and operational versatility. This high-level engagement aligns with India’s strategy to deepen defence cooperation with African nations, as seen in prior engagements like the India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave.
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