Context

The Acquisition Wing of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ?557-crore contract with the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for the procurement of 1,512 mine ploughs for T-90 Tanks. The induction is expected to be completed by 2027.

About

• These mine ploughs will be fitted on T-90 Tanks of the Indian Armoured Corps which will facilitate individual mobility to the tanks while negotiating a minefield.
• Mine ploughs help tanks to clear minefields and minimize risks to men and machines.
• The mobility of the tank fleet will enhance manifold which in turn would extend the reach of the armored formations deep into enemy territory without becoming a mine causality.
• As per the procedure, the contract has Buy and Make (Indian) categorisation with a minimum of 50% indigenous content in the Make portion.
• It is to be noted that the Russian-origin T-90 main battle tanks were recently deployed by the Indian Army in the Galwan Valley sector of Ladakh amid the border dispute with China.

Features of the T-90 Tank

• It has the capability to deal with Biological and Chemical weapons.
• It is the Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army and has the best-armored protection.
• This Tank is of Russian origin. But is now built-in India and can fire 8 shells in 60 seconds
• It comes with 125 Mm main gun to make surefire and can launch a missile up to 6 km.
• It is considered to be the lightest and the strongest tank in the world and weighs around 48 tons.
• With the ability to fight in day/night, it comes with a missile attack shield.
• Has a powerful 1000 horsepower engine and can run with a speed of 72 km/h. And can cover 550 km at a time.
  
  

  Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) BEML is an Indian Public Sector Undertaking with headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The company manufactures a variety of heavy equipment, such as that used for earth moving, transport and mining. BEML has manufacturing plants in Kolar Gold Fields, Bengaluru, Mysore and Palakkad.