Overhauled VT-72B Armoured Recovery Vehicle Debuts at Pune Army Workshop, Strengthening Indigenous Defence Efforts
The Army Base Workshop under the Southern Command achieved a significant milestone in defense indigenisation by successfully completing the pilot overhaul and rollout of the VT-72B Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) in Pune. The vehicle's ceremonial launch was attended by Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance (MGS), alongside Lieutenant General JS Sidana, Director General of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (DG EME) and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of EME.
This achievement marks a crucial advancement in restoring the Army's operational capabilities while decreasing reliance on foreign imports. India had previously procured VT-72B ARVs from Slovakia, securing 35 units for $32 million in 1994 and an additional 45 units under a $90 million agreement in 1997.
The vehicle, overhauled at the 512 Army Base Workshop, is built on the Polish T-72M1 hull and is equipped with a 15-ton crane and advanced recovery systems. The scarcity of spare parts globally posed maintenance challenges, but Army engineers managed to fully restore the ARV, demonstrating indigenous capabilities in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
During the event, Lt Gen Aujla, who previously led the XV Corps in Kashmir, emphasized that this accomplishment highlights the Army's dedication to innovation, self-reliance, and maintaining combat readiness.
The introduction of the overhauled VT-72B ARV is anticipated to lead to similar enhancements throughout the fleet, bolstering India's strategic independence and improving battlefield support capabilities.
