Indian Army's Kharga Corps Enhances Capability with Induction of Upgraded WZT-3 Armoured Recovery Vehicles
India's indigenous defence capabilities have received a significant enhancement with the induction of three refurbished WZT-3 Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) into the Kharga Corps of the Indian Army. These vehicles were upgraded and delivered by Airbonics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd (ADSL), a subsidiary of the JCBL Group.
Swift Modernisation Under Western Command
Executed under the Western Command’s Other Capital Procurement Procedure (OCPP), the refurbishment of the ARVs was completed in a record time of seven months for the Black Arrow Brigade. Despite the challenges posed by Operation Sindoor and the threats of drone and aerial attacks, ADSL engineers managed to maintain a consistent workflow and adhere to high precision standards throughout the project.
Complex Overhaul and Rigorous Testing
The refurbishment process involved a thorough disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of critical vehicle systems, including hydraulics, cranes, winches, and electrical harnesses. Following the overhaul, the ARVs passed the Indian Army’s Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), demonstrating their reliability and readiness for deployment in the field.
Strengthening Armoured Support Capabilities
The induction event was marked by the presence of senior military officials, including Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, 2 Corps, along with top executives from ADSL. Lt Gen Pushkar lauded the collaborative efforts of the JCBL Group and the ADSL technical team, appreciating their resilience and efficiency. He also commended the Black Arrow Eagles for maintaining their equipment at exceptional operational standards.
Industry Collaboration for Atmanirbhar Defence
Rishi Aggarwal, Managing Director of JCBL Group, reiterated the company's commitment to enhancing India's defence self-reliance. He noted that the Army’s trust in ADSL and JCBL propels ongoing innovation and improved technical performance.
Earlier this year, the JCBL Group entered into India’s first defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Slovakia, aimed at co-developing next-generation combat vehicle technologies. This collaboration facilitates the integration of advanced European design features into Indian systems, thereby strengthening the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Expanding Modernisation Footprint
In another milestone, the Indian Army launched its first overhauled VT-72B ARV from the 512 Army Base Workshop in Pune, developed in collaboration with ADSL. This achievement underscores ADSL’s pivotal role in modernising and maintaining India’s armoured vehicle fleet, ensuring sustained readiness for future combat challenges.
Through these successful inductions, the Indian Army continues to advance its Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by incorporating private industry innovation into its core operations, fostering a more agile, self-reliant, and technologically advanced force.
