(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
December 11, 2024 | Bangalore : BEML Limited, a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a ₹136 crore contract for the supply of indigenously designed High Mobility Vehicles (HMV) 8×8. These vehicles will play a pivotal role in the Battle Field Surveillance System (BFSS) Project, reinforcing India’s defence capabilities and advancing the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.Manufactured at BEML’s state-of-the-art facilities, the HMV 8×8 is designed to deliver exceptional reliability and versatility, even in the most challenging environments. Key features of these vehicles include an independent suspension system, a high-power air-cooled engine, a central tyre inflation system, an anti-lock braking system, and a backbone tube chassis design. These features ensure superior mobility, stability, and operational safety. The vehicles are capable of operating in extreme climates, from -20°C to +55°C, and at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters above sea level. The modular architecture of the HMV 8×8 offers exceptional adaptability, enabling seamless integration of diverse superstructures without special modifications. This innovation reduces costs and ensures high commonality across BEML’s military vehicle range, which includes configurations from 4×4 to 12×12. This results in optimized maintenance and logistics for the armed forces, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Commenting on this achievement, Shantanu Roy, CMD, BEML, stated: “This contract is a testament to BEML’s unwavering commitment to innovation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The indigenously developed HMV 8×8 vehicles showcase our engineering excellence and dedication to equipping India’s armed forces with cutting-edge mobility solutions. As a proud partner in the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, we remain steadfast in our efforts to contribute to India’s defence preparedness and strategic capabilities.” With a legacy dating back to the 1980s, BEML has been at the forefront of India’s defence manufacturing sector, delivering advanced solutions such as rocket and missile launchers, Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicles (ARRV), High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicles for radar and communication systems, and tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The company has achieved 100% indigenisation across several critical platforms, including the Pontoon Bridge System, Aircraft Towing Tractor, Aircraft Weapon Loader, 50T Trailer, Wagons, BMP Transmission, and Ejector Air Cleaner Assembly. These achievements underscore BEML’s dedication to fostering indigenous capabilities, setting benchmarks in quality, innovation, and reliability, and contributing to India’s strategic goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat. BEML Limited continues to play a transformative role in modernizing India’s defence infrastructure, offering world-class solutions that strengthen the nation’s armed forces and bolster its self-reliance for a secure future.