JABALPUR, Aug 27: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described tanks as a vital component of India’s defence infrastructure, likening them to an ‘iron wall’ on the nation’s borders that bolster soldier morale and serve as a deterrent to adversaries. His remarks came as he laid the foundation stone for a new Rs 472-crore facility at the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) dedicated to the overhaul of T-series battle tanks.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the new facility at the 57-year-old ordnance unit will be capable of overhauling 80 T-72 and T-90 tanks annually. The Defence Minister stated that this initiative is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of these key ground warfare assets. He noted that the Indian Army requires the overhaul of approximately 230 such tanks each year, with the existing capacity at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi at around 150 tanks annually. The new VFJ facility is intended to bridge this significant gap.
Singh emphasized the enduring relevance of tanks in modern warfare, even amidst the increasing integration of advanced technologies such as drones and missiles. He asserted that while the nature of conflict is evolving, tanks continue to play a critical role. “We need drones, missiles, artillery, electronic warfare systems and modern tanks. Our soldiers should have both tanks and drones, with effective coordination between the two,” Singh stated, highlighting the need for a combined capabilities approach rather than reliance on a single platform.
The Defence Minister further elaborated on the strengths of tanks, pointing to their mobility and firepower. He argued against the notion that tanks have lost their relevance, advocating instead for their modernization. “The strength of a tank lies in its mobility and firepower. The need today is not to eliminate tanks, but to modernise them. This is not a battle of one weapon against another; it is a battle involving the entire combat system,” he added. He reiterated that while technology and warfare tactics are changing, tanks remain indispensable for ground operations.
The Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, where the new overhaul facility is being established, is a prominent military vehicle manufacturing unit operating under the Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL). Established in 1969, the factory has a history of producing vehicles like the Shaktiman 3 tonnes (T) in collaboration with Germany’s MAN and Nissan 1T and Jonga vehicles with Japan’s Nissan Motors Co. The VFJ complex spans 330 acres, with an adjoining estate covering an additional 600 acres, according to official information.
The investment in this new overhaul facility signifies a commitment to strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and ensuring the sustained operational efficiency of its armoured fleet. The project is expected to contribute significantly to the self-reliance goals within the defence sector, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining robust ground combat vehicles.
The Chenab Times News Desk