BEML in JV with Polish Obrum for battle tanks dev

Defence PSU BEML has tied up with Polish company Obrum to jointly design and develop futuristic main battle tanks for the Indian Army that will be lighter, faster and transportable through helicopters.

This would include auxiliary power unit for the tanks air conditioners and communication equipment and a 1,000-hp engine to provide its greater mobility.

Under the agreement, BEML and Obrum would jointly work on projects such as armoured recovery and repair vehicles for the indigenous Arjun tanks, auxiliary power unit for T-90s, armoured personnel carriers, 155-mm tracked guns and BMP-II upgrade for the Army.

"The project for development of ARRV for Arjuns is promoted and coordinated by Chennai-based armoured vehicle research unit CVRDE and funded by the DRDO.BEML will also invest in the project, as it is expected to be the nodal agency for production and supply of the ARRVs," Natarajan said.

In view of the tanks overhaul and upgrade programmes that are coming up soon, BEML had recently established a 1.2-km test track for the tanks at Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka.