The Indian Army has initiated the procurement of 170 Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) to enhance its operational capabilities. ARVs are specialized military vehicles crucial for battlefield recovery and maintenance of armored vehicles. They can tow and recover stuck or damaged vehicles, perform field repairs, transport casualties, and feature defensive armaments for self-defense. Additionally, ARVs are equipped with advanced communication systems and can be modified to carry portable bridge sections, facilitating the movement of armored units. These vehicles play a vital role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of armored forces on the battlefield.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Main Battle Tank (MBT): A heavily armored and armed tank designed for frontline combat, often serving as the primary armored vehicle in an armored unit.
- Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs): Armored vehicles designed for transporting infantry and providing protection from small arms fire and artillery fragments.
- Field Repairs: Immediate repairs conducted on armored vehicles in the field to restore their operational status and minimize downtime.
- Self-Defense Capabilities: Defensive weaponry, such as machine guns or anti-aircraft guns, integrated into ARVs to protect them from enemy threats while on recovery missions.
- Portable Bridge Sections: Sections of bridge equipment that can be transported and deployed by ARVs to create temporary bridges, enabling the movement of armored vehicles over obstacles like rivers and ditches.