Ministry of Defence signs contracts worth Rs 802 Crores for procurement of military equipment

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence formalized two procurement contracts to bolster indigenous manufacturing and involve the private sector in defence production on Thursday. Under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, the contracts involve the acquisition of 697 Bogie Open Military (BOM) Wagons from M/s Jupiter Wagons Limited at a cost of 473 Cr and 56 units of Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II from M/s BEML Ltd at a cost of 329 Cr.

These acquisitions contribute to the realization of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision. The BOM Wagons, designed by the Research Design and Standard Organization (RDSO), serve as specialized units for the mobilization of Indian Army forces. They transport various military equipment, including light vehicles, artillery guns, BMPs, and engineering equipment, ensuring rapid and simultaneous deployment during conflict and facilitating peacetime movements for military exercises.

Additionally, the procurement of MMME Mark II addresses the mandatory requirement of marking all minefields as per the amended Protocol-II on Convention in certain Conventional Weapons. The MMME is designed to operate cross-country with a full load of stores, streamlining minefield marking during operations. Based on an in-service High Mobility Vehicle, it incorporates advanced mechanical and electrical systems, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational capabilities.