In yet another shot in the arm, the Indian Army has inducted the first set of Made-in-India next generation ‘Armoured Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle’ (AERV) in a solemn function presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General MM Naravane in Pune.
The state-of-art amphibious vehicle has been designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with Ordnance Factory Medak & Bharat Electronics Limited in Pune.
Deciphering AERV
Armoured Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle (AERV) is a modified version of the amphibious ( can operate both on land and water) infantry fighting vehicle BMP-II.
Addressing the function, COAS General MM Naravane said, “The old reconnaissance vehicles we had were extensively used in various operations. In the changing battlefield, we are acquiring new capabilities and new equipment. It is a matter of pride if these equipment are indigenously manufactured. You can recall that we recently inducted a short-span bridging system developed by the DRDO. These new additions will certainly augment the Army’s capabilities, especially on the Western front.”
The amphibious infantry fighting vehicle is equipped with as many as 14 electronic and sensing equipment, which have been installed by the Bharat Electronics Limited.
Notably, instead of the turret, the revolving tower, which an armoured vehicle usually has, AERV comprises a laser range finder and other electronic equipment.
AERV has been designed especially to fulfill the tactical and combat requirements of Indian Defence engineers involved in carrying out terrestrial and under-water surveys in hostile terrains, primarily for the construction of assault bridges in flat, desert and even riverine areas for both offensive and defensive operations.
Further, the vehicle also has equipment measuring water currents, soil densities among others, required for engineering columns to construct the bridges that can sustain desired operational load.
To date, the Indian Army has ordered 53 units of the AERV, which will be deployed with the individual engineering formations, mainly on the Western front of India.
No delay even in the times of COVID
Despite the various restrictions imposed by the COVID-19, the supply of the vehicle to the Indian Army has been on time. The vehicle, which is capable of carrying out reconnaissance of water obstacles and boggy patches for execution of engineer tasks, will bolster existing engineer reconnaissance capabilities of the Indian Army.
