The Indian Army has released a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 170 tracked Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) designed to operate in various terrains. These new ARVs will replace the existing vehicles built by state-run BEML, which are based on T-72 tank hulls. Several Indian companies are expected to respond to the RFI.
VZT3/T-72
In a significant move to enhance its operational capabilities, the Indian Army has announced plans to acquire 170 tracked Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs). The RFI was issued this Tuesday, inviting Indian vendors to submit their proposals. The new ARVs are expected to operate in diverse conditions, ranging from plains and deserts to high-altitude mountainous terrains.
The main role of these ARVs is to recover tanks and heavy equipment in case of breakdowns during operations. The current fleet of ARVs, built by state-run BEML, are based on Russian-made T-72 tank hulls and are considered less versatile for the mountainous terrains the Indian Army operates in.
Several Indian companies, including the Kalyani Group, Mahindra, Tata, and L&T, are expected to respond to the RFI. State-run BEML is also among the anticipated contenders.