The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 9,750 million (mn) contract to enhance the Indian Army's mine clearance capability. The agreement, announced on April 26, 2026, provides for acquisition of equipment and services intended to improve detection, neutralisation and disposal of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The deal reflects a push to modernise battlefield engineering assets and reduce risks to personnel. The agreement follows prior investment in counter?explosive technologies and reflects continuity in capability development.

Under the terms, the ministry will procure a mix of specialised mine detection systems, clearance vehicles and support equipment along with training and logistic support for operational units. The procurement is expected to include technology for remote sensing and mechanical clearance as well as sustainment packages to ensure operational availability. The ministry indicated that fielding will be phased to align with Army requirements and training cycles. Procurement officials said standardisation and compatibility with existing inventories will guide selection and support arrangements.

Officials noted that investment in clearance capability aims to strengthen mobility of forces and enhance humanitarian mine action in affected areas. The contract follows broader efforts to upgrade engineering formations and integrate modern sensors with existing platforms. Budgetary allocation for the contract is drawn from defence capital expenditure lines and the ministry will oversee delivery schedules and acceptance trials. Monitoring frameworks will be established to track progress against delivery milestones and performance indicators.

Defence planners will monitor certification, interoperability and maintenance arrangements as systems are inducted into service, with unit commanders tasked to validate performance in exercise environments. The MoD will coordinate training syllabuses and logistical arrangements to support sustainment over the lifecycle of the systems. The procurement is among measures intended to improve force protection and reduce casualties from explosive hazards. Stakeholders will review lessons from acceptance trials to inform future acquisitions.