MoD Signs Rs 9,750 Million Contracts for TRAWL Assembly

23 Apr 2026 CW Team

The TRAWL Assembly, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation as an indigenous solution, is intended to enhance the minefield breaching capability of armoured formations. It is designed to create vehicle safe lanes through minefields containing anti-tank mines fitted with proximity magnetic fuses and thereby to improve the operational effectiveness of manoeuvre units. The equipment's integration onto existing T-72 and T-90 platforms will standardise breaching procedures and reduce the logistical footprint of dedicated mine-clearing assets.

Procured as a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) case, the project underscores the emphasis on modernising defence infrastructure through domestic design and production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The contracts are described as supporting the development of local supply chains and catalysing direct and indirect employment by engaging component manufacturers across the micro, small and medium enterprises sector. The initiative is also set to enhance skills in precision engineering, assembly and maintenance within the defence industrial base.

Officials indicated that indigenous manufacture will improve sustainment, spares availability and lifecycle support for the assemblies while reducing dependence on imports. The procurement is presented as a strategic investment in capability enhancement that aligns procurement practice with national objectives for self-reliance and industrial growth in defence manufacturing.

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited for the procurement of the TRAWL Assembly for T-72 and T-90 tanks at an approximate cost of Rs 9,750 million (mn). The agreements were signed in New Delhi on 21 April 2026 in the presence of the Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh. The procurement is part of a wider effort to equip the Indian Army with specialised breaching equipment. The TRAWL Assembly, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation as an indigenous solution, is intended to enhance the minefield breaching capability of armoured formations. It is designed to create vehicle safe lanes through minefields containing anti-tank mines fitted with proximity magnetic fuses and thereby to improve the operational effectiveness of manoeuvre units. The equipment's integration onto existing T-72 and T-90 platforms will standardise breaching procedures and reduce the logistical footprint of dedicated mine-clearing assets. Procured as a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) case, the project underscores the emphasis on modernising defence infrastructure through domestic design and production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The contracts are described as supporting the development of local supply chains and catalysing direct and indirect employment by engaging component manufacturers across the micro, small and medium enterprises sector. The initiative is also set to enhance skills in precision engineering, assembly and maintenance within the defence industrial base. Officials indicated that indigenous manufacture will improve sustainment, spares availability and lifecycle support for the assemblies while reducing dependence on imports. The procurement is presented as a strategic investment in capability enhancement that aligns procurement practice with national objectives for self-reliance and industrial growth in defence manufacturing.

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