The Indian Army’s plans to counter minefields restricting its tank movement in enemy territory received a shot in the arm with the signing of a Make in India contract on July 20 for 1,512 mine ploughs for its frontline T-90 tank fleet.

A 557 crore ($74.18 million) contract for the T-90 mine ploughs was signed by the Acquisitions Wing of the Ministry of Defence with the public sector Bharat Earth Movers Limited.

“The contract has Buy and Make (Indian) categorisation with a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content in make portion of the contract,” according to an official statement of the Ministry of Defence.

“These mine ploughs will be fitted on T-90 Tanks of Indian Armoured Corps which will facilitate individual mobility to Tanks while negotiating mine field. Mobility of Tank Fleet will enhance manifold, which in turn would extend the reach of Armoured Formation deep into enemy territory without becoming mine causality,” the Ministry of Defence statement added, suggesting that “the combat capability of the Army will be further enhanced” consequently.

The induction of these 1,512 mine ploughs is scheduled to be completed by 2027.