HIGHLIGHTS OF AERV
- The Indian Army has ordered 53 AERV units to be deployed alongside individual engineering divisions, primarily on the Western front.
- The AERV is produced by the Ordnance Factory in Medak
Why in news?
In a ceremony presided over by Army Chief General MM Naravane in Pune on 21st December, the indigenously developed next-generation Armored Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle (AERV) was formally inducted into the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army.
The making of the AERV
The AERV was developed by modifying the BMP-II amphibious infantry fighting vehicle to meet the tactical and combat requirements of military engineers conducting terrestrial and underwater surveys in hostile terrains, primarily for the construction of assault bridges in the desert, flat, and even riverine areas for both offensive and defensive operations. The Indian Army has ordered 53 AERV units to be deployed alongside individual engineering divisions, primarily on the Western front.
Design and Production
Both the Vehicles Research Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar and the Research and Development Establishment in Pune of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) designed the system. The AERV is produced by the Ordnance Factory in Medak, and Bharat Electronics Limited in Pune has fitted 14 electronic and sensing equipment.
Features of AERV
The AERV’s revolving tower, which is typically found on an armored vehicle, has been replaced with a laser range finder and other electronic equipment in place of the turret. The vehicle also features equipment for detecting water currents, soil densities, and other factors that are needed to build engineering columns for bridges that can withstand the specified operational load.
Despite the severe constraints imposed by the Covid-19 outbreak during the last year, the vehicle has been delivered to the Indian Army on time. According to the schedule, 15 units have already been delivered to the Indian Army.
“The technology will augment the Indian Army’s existing engineer reconnaissance capabilities and will be a major game changer in support of mechanized operations in future conflicts,” according to the DRDO.
“The ancient reconnaissance vehicles we had were extensively deployed in various operations,” Gen Naravane stated during the event. We are obtaining new capacities and equipment in response to the changing battlefield. If these items are made in the United States, it is a source of pride. You may recall that we just inducted a DRDO-developed short-span bridging technology. The Army’s capabilities will undoubtedly be enhanced by these additional reinforcements, particularly on the Western front.”
