Bangalore: Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) will shortly begin manufacturing Light Recovery Vehicles in technical collaboration with Tatra Sipox AS in a bid to augment supplies to the armed forces and boost revenues from the Defence business.

The public sector undertaking, in alliance with Polish partner Bumar, will also manufacture Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) as well as Scattered Mine-laying Equipment (Kroton). The latter will be offered for possible induction into the Indian Army after trials on a no-cost, no-commitment basis.

Another strategic product in the pipeline is the Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle for use in the battlefield for minor repairs besides salvaging damaged vehicles.

This project will provide a big boost to Indo-Polish relations, which have seen the successful implementation of the ARV project with phased indigenisation of technology. Besides, BEML is following up with Army Headquarters for upgrading T72 tanks with a 1,000-hp engine, a company statement said here.

The company has successfully implemented Euro-2 emission norms in the manufacture and roll out of BEML-Tatra 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles which form the lifeline of the armed forces and has been effectively deployed for nearly two decades for troop and material movement.

The company has tied up with Micro Turbo, France, for auxiliary standby power for ground support products and equipment. BEML is looking for international partners for the manufacture of Light Armoured Recce Vehicles, which are reconnaissance vehicles.

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