To further enhance battlefield mobility and indigenous defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday (April 21, 2026) announced the signing of contracts for the procurement of TRAWL Assembly for T-72 and T-90 tanks, at an approximate cost of Rs 975 crore. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Indian Army’s latest contract with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited, falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, reinforcing the government’s focus on boosting domestic defence manufacturing.
What is the TRAWL system and what makes it important?
The TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 tanks is a critical piece of equipment developed by DRDO that significantly enhances the minefield breaching capability of the Indian Army.
According to Defence PSU Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, the TRAWL is a vehicle-mounted device fitted to the front of a tank that uses heavy rollers to safely detonate landmines and clear a path. The trawls physically activate mines by applying pressure due to the self-weight of the rollers.
The Defence Ministry said the system plays a crucial role in clearing minefields and ensuring safe movement of troops and armoured vehicles during combat operations.
How will this enhance Indian Army’s combat power?
The induction of TRAWL systems is expected to provide a major operational advantage by enabling the creation of Vehicle Safe Lanes through minefields, including those with anti-tank mines equipped with proximity magnetic fuses.
“It would generate additional capability of creating Vehicle Safe Lanes through minefields with anti-tank mines with proximity magnetic fuses, thus enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
This capability is particularly critical in high-intensity conflict scenarios, where rapid mobility of armoured columns can determine the success of offensive and defensive operations. By reducing the risk posed by hidden explosives, the system ensures faster and safer troop movement across contested terrain.
Another push to India’s self-reliance initiative
Army’s procurement of the TRAWL Assembly marks another pivotal step towards modernising India’s defence infrastructure while advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Officials noted that the project is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment, especially by encouraging participation from the MSME sector in component manufacturing.
“This project has immense potential of direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging the MSME sector through components’ manufacturing,” the ministry said.
Moreover, the deal underscores the government’s broader strategy of reducing dependence on imports while strengthening domestic defence production ecosystems.
What other recent defence acquisitions highlight this trend?
The TRAWL deal follows another major indigenous defence contract finalised last month with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of two advanced mountain radars for the Indian Air Force, valued at around Rs 1,950 crore.
“Strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inked a major capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of two Mountain Radars, including associated equipment and required infrastructure for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of around Rs 1,950 crore,” the ministry had said last month.