Indian Army Achieves Milestone with Indigenous Overhaul of ARV VT-72B at Pune Base Workshop
Indian Army Achieves Milestone with Indigenous Overhaul of ARV VT-72B at Pune Base Workshop
In a significant milestone towards enhancing operational readiness and reinforcing the national vision of self-reliance in defence production, the 512 Army Base Workshop successfully completed Pilot Overhaul of the Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) VT-72B under the ambit of Project Lotus. The rollout ceremony, conducted with full military decorum, was graced by the presence of Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Aujla, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM, Master General Sustenance (MGS), who formally flagged off the overhauled ARV. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General JS Sidana, AVSM, Director General of EME (DGEME) and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of EME, along with Commander Base Workshop Group, Major General Lalit Kapoor, VSM.
Background on ARV VT-72B. The Armoured Recovery Vehicle VT-72B is an indispensable asset, designed to recover, repair, and provide battlefield support to tanks and Armoured Fighting Vehicles. Derived from the proven T-72B platform, the ARV VT-72B plays a crucial role in ensuring that frontline battle tanks remain combat-ready in diverse terrains and operational conditions.
As many of these vehicles have completed several decades of service, they required systematic overhaul to extend their operational life and maintain critical combat support capability. The Overhaul undertaken under Project Lotus ensures that these vintage yet vital assets are restored to peak functional standards, thereby reducing dependence on imports and optimising lifecycle costs.
The ceremonial rollout of the overhauled ARV VT-72B was conducted at the 512 Army Base Workshop, Pune, an establishment renowned for its technical acumen and contribution to the Army’s combat readiness. A ceremonial flagging-off parade was organised, where Lt Gen AS Aujla, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM, MGS inspected the vehicle, interacted with the team of officers and technicians responsible for the project, and lauded their professionalism and dedication.
In his address, Lt Gen AS Aujla, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM, MGS Underscored the significance of the event, stating: “The successful overhaul of the ARV VT-72B under Project Lotus is a shining example of what can be achieved through indigenous efforts, technical expertise, and dedication. It reflects not just the commitment of the Corps of EME, but also the larger resolve of the Indian Army to contribute towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.”
Lt Gen JS Sidana, AVSM, DGEME and Colonel Commandant, commended the achievement, remarking: “The Corps of EME has consistently ensured that our frontline combat systems remain mission-ready at all times. The rollout of the ARV VT-72B today marks the beginning of a new phase in force sustenance, where vintage platforms are given a new lease of life through our own capabilities.”
The rollout of the overhauled ARV VT-72B at 512 Army Base Workshop, Pune, under Project Lotus, is a landmark achievement that epitomises the Indian Army’s unwavering focus on self-reliance, operational excellence, and sustainability. It is a shining testimony to the technical skill, innovation, and dedication of the Corps of EME and serves as a powerful symbol of India’s march towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.
