BEML Ltd has received order from the defence ministry for the supply of 1,512 Track Width Mine Ploughs (TWMP) for T-90 S/SK Tanks at an approximate cost of Rs. 557 crore. Under ‘Make in India’ policy the contract has Buy and Make (Indian) categorisation with a minimum of 50 % indigenous content in make portion of the contract. The system will be manufactured at BEML facilities with the help of Pearson Engineering, UK.
Out of 1,512 Mine plough, BEML will supply 100 Nos within 12 months, 250 Nos in subsequent years and order will be completed within 7 years. The Indian Army currently has around 1,640 T-90 tanks in its service fleet.
These mine ploughs will be fitted on T-90 tanks which will facilitate individual mobility to Tanks while negotiating mine fields. Mobility of the Tank Fleet will enhance manifold, which in turn would extend the reach of armoured formations deep into enemy territory without becoming mine causality.
This de-mining equipment is time tested for different soil conditions in Indian desert and customized for Indian operations. In terms of its in-depth specification, these ploughs are composed of self-contained units that will be connected to the vehicle mounting arrangement and the electrical power system of the tank.
As a previous supplier, Pearson Engineering has experience in integrating counter-mine capabilities with the T-72, T-90, Arjun Mk1 Main Battle Tank and BMP-2 Armoured Vehicles.
These TWMPs are the most effective and lethal in terms of their technical structure and strength. It has been guaranteed that after induction of these TWMPs, they would be tested under various soil conditions to prove their customization and suitability in times of real operations.
Currently, dedicated TWMPs are integrated with the Arjun Mk-1A MBTs of the Indian Army. The TWMPs in Arjun are designed as a matter of the compact stows with maximized approach angles that would help in impeding the operations of the gun turrets when it will be depressing. It gives the Arjun Tank the capability to drive through a rapid surface passage containing mined obstacles by creating a track for the other tanks to follow. These ploughs would help in clearing all IED and minefields, thereby leading to their detonation reducing their tractive efforts. It will also help in terms of maintaining the depth control by skids in the ground in undulating terrains by helping it to operate at wide soil conditions and ranges. The TWMPs of the Arjun tanks are also fully integrated with MSD systems that are available to counter magnetically fused mines in times of being replaceable with a low maintenance cost.
