On March 20, at the BEML Engine division in Mysuru, India's Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, led the inaugural test of the country's first self-developed 1,500 HP engine for Main Battle Tanks, as reported by India.com. This significant achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter in India's defence sector, demonstrating its technological advancement and dedication to becoming self-sufficient in defence technology.
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The brand new indigenous 1,500 HP engine is intended to equip the Indian Army's Arjun MBTs (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The newly tested 1,500 HP engine signifies a major leap in military propulsion technology, featuring state-of-the-art characteristics such as exceptional power-to-weight ratio and adaptability under harsh conditions, including high altitudes, freezing temperatures, and desert terrains.
During the inauguration of the Test Cell, the Defence Secretary lauded this milestone as a pivotal step forward in bolstering the Armed Forces' capabilities. BEML's CMD, Shantanu Roy, remarked that this achievement reinforces BEML's crucial role in the nation's defence production landscape, highlighting its dedication to meeting the national defence needs.
This initial test of the 1,500 HP engine marks the successful completion of its first generation, focusing on technology refinement. The next phase, Generation Two, involves BEML producing engines for extensive trials at the DRDO's Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, followed by their integration into actual vehicles for field testing. The entire project is expected to be finalized by mid-2025. Initiated in August 2020, the project has been strategically divided into five key phases to ensure its completion within the set timeframe and quality standards.
In a ceremony, the Defence Secretary also unveiled the ‘Wall of Fame’ to honor the BEML team's remarkable efforts. This tribute celebrates their significant contributions to enhancing India's defence capabilities and achieving breakthroughs in homegrown technological innovations. The event was attended by senior civil and military officials from the Ministry of Defence, industry stakeholders, and BEML officials.
The brand new BEML 1,500 HP engine is intended also to equip the Indian Army's ARRVs (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Defense News March 2024
