In a significant move to modernise India’s defence infrastructure, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth ₹697.35 crore with ACE Limited and JCB India Limited for the procurement of 1,868 Rough Terrain Fork Lift Trucks (RTFLTs). The agreement, signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri R K Singh, aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy.
The RTFLTs are critical equipment designed to streamline combat and logistics support tasks by reducing manual handling of heavy stores. This procurement will significantly improve the efficiency of the Armed Forces in challenging terrains, ensuring smoother operations during critical missions.
The deal falls under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting indigenious defence manufacturing. This initiative is expected to boost national defence equipment production capabilities and generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities. By encouraging the MSME sector through component manufacturing, the project aligns with the ‘Aatmnirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision.
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Defence experts have hailed the move as a pivotal step towards reducing dependency on foreign defence equipment and empowering domestic industries. The procurement not only strengthens India’s defence preparedness but also positions the country as a global leader in indigenous defence manufacturing.
With this landmark agreement, the Ministry of Defence continues to pave the way for a self-reliant and modernised defence ecosystem, ensuring that the Armed Forces are equipped with state-of-the-art, homegrown solutions.