In a significant advancement for defense indigenisation, the Army Base Workshop under Southern Command has successfully completed the pilot overhaul and rollout of the VT-72B Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) in Pune. This milestone was ceremonially inaugurated by Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance (MGS), with the presence of Lieutenant General JS Sidana, Director General of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (DG EME) and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of EME.
The successful overhaul marks a crucial development in enhancing the Army’s operational readiness while simultaneously decreasing reliance on imported parts. Historically, India has acquired VT-72B ARVs from Slovakia, initially purchasing 35 units for $32 million in 1994, followed by an additional 45 units in a $90 million deal in 1997.
The revitalised ARV has undergone an extensive overhaul at the 512 Army Base Workshop. Built on a Polish T-72M1 hull, the vehicle is equipped with a robust 15-ton crane and advanced recovery systems. Due to the limited availability of global spares, maintenance of these vehicles has been a persistent challenge. However, skilled Army engineers have successfully restored the ARV to its full operational capacity, exemplifying India’s indigenous capabilities as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
During the flag-off ceremony, Lt Gen Aujla emphasized that this achievement underscores the Army’s dedication to innovation, self-reliance, and maintaining a high state of combat readiness.
The rollout of the overhauled VT-72B ARV is anticipated to initiate a broader effort toward similar upgrades across the fleet, thus bolstering India’s strategic autonomy and enhancing its capabilities in battlefield support. This initiative not only aims to modernize the existing fleet but also to ensure self-sufficiency in military logistics, contributing to a more resilient defense posture for the nation.
