In a significant advancement for India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Kharga Corps of the Indian Army has recently inducted three refurbished WZT-3 Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs). These vehicles, upgraded and delivered by Airbonics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd (ADSL), a subsidiary of the JCBL Group, represent a notable improvement in the country’s armored support capabilities.
The project, executed under the Western Command’s Other Capital Procurement Procedure (OCPP) for the Black Arrow Brigade, saw the entire refurbishment process completed in an impressive seven-month timeframe. Despite operational pressures stemming from Operation Sindoor and the constant threat posed by drones and aerial attacks, ADSL engineers maintained a steady workflow, ensuring high precision standards were met throughout the project.
The refurbishment process involved a comprehensive overhaul, which entailed the complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of critical vehicle systems. This included crucial components such as hydraulics, cranes, winches, and electrical harnesses. Following the completion of these enhancements, the ARVs successfully passed the Indian Army’s Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), demonstrating their reliability and readiness for field deployment.
The induction ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of 2 Corps, as well as executives from ADSL. Lt Gen Pushkar commended the collaborative efforts between the JCBL Group and the technical team at ADSL, highlighting their resilience and efficiency. He also recognized the Black Arrow Eagles for maintaining their equipment to exceptional operational standards.
Rishi Aggarwal, Managing Director of JCBL Group, reiterated the company’s commitment to enhancing India’s defense self-reliance. He underscored that the trust the Army places in ADSL and JCBL propels innovation and boosts technical performance levels.
Earlier this year, the JCBL Group took a decisive step forward in international collaboration by signing India’s first defense Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Slovakia, aimed at co-developing next-generation combat vehicle technologies. This partnership is set to facilitate the integration of advanced European design features into Indian defense systems, thereby reinforcing the nation’s indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.
In another related development, the Indian Army recently unveiled its first overhauled VT-72B ARV from the 512 Army Base Workshop in Pune, which was also developed in collaboration with ADSL. This achievement signifies ADSL’s growing role in the modernization and maintenance of India’s armored vehicle fleet, ensuring the military is well-prepared to face future combat challenges.
Through these successful inductions, the Indian Army continues to strengthen its Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by incorporating private industry innovation into its operational framework. This approach is pivotal in building a more agile, self-reliant, and technologically advanced defense force for the country.
