State-run BEML Ltd. announced on Wednesday, December 11, that it has been awarded a ₹136 crore contract from the defence ministry to supply high mobility vehicles (HMV) 8×8. These vehicles are crucial to the Battle Field Surveillance System (BFSS) and feature an independent suspension system, central tyre inflation, a high power air-cooled engine, an anti-lock braking system, and a backbone tube chassis design.
They are designed to operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C and at altitudes up to 5,000 meters above sea level. The vehicles enable easy integration of various superstructures without the need for special modifications. This innovation not only reduces costs but also ensures high commonality across BEML’s military vehicle range, which spans configurations from 4X4 to 12×12.
Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, highlighted that this contract underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Additionally, BEML secured another contract from the defence ministry on Tuesday, December 10, valued at ₹83.51 crore to supply a 50-ton trailer designed for battle tank transportation.
BEML Limited, formerly known as Bharat Earth Movers Limited, is a premier multi-technology company under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1964, the Bengaluru-based enterprise is a key player in sectors like defence, railways, mining, construction, and aerospace.
Renowned for its engineering excellence, BEML manufactures a diverse range of products, including heavy earth-moving equipment, metro rail coaches, and defence equipment. It plays a pivotal role in India’s infrastructure development and defence capabilities, contributing to the Make-in-India initiative. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a robust R&D focus, BEML continues to innovate and deliver world-class solutions for domestic and global markets, cementing its position as a trusted name in industrial engineering.
