BEML expands defence manufacturing with new units at KGF complex

New Delhi: In a significant step towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, BEML Limited, a Schedule ‘A’ Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, has inaugurated three new state-of-the-art production units at its Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) complex. The infrastructure expansion marks a major milestone in the company’s strategic effort to scale up indigenous defence capabilities and support the delivery of critical military platforms.

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The new facilities have been inaugurated by BEML's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Shantanu Roy in the presence of the company’s Functional Directors and senior leadership. Specifically designed to manufacture and service Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) and their variants, the new units represent a key component of BEML’s vision to create a globally competitive defence production ecosystem.

The commissioned facilities comprise two units measuring 30x140 meters and one 30 x 100 meters, each integrated with modern stores and logistics sections to enhance workflow efficiency and reduce turnaround time. The new infrastructure is equipped for smart manufacturing, offering high-throughput production, precision assembly, and real-time quality control, aligning with the defence sector’s evolving requirements under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

“This is more than an expansion—it's a strategic leap forward. These units enhance our capability to deliver high-performance defence solutions at scale and reaffirm our commitment to being a trusted partner to India’s armed forces,” Shri Roy stated at the inauguration. “We are not just making in India—we are engineering, innovating, and leading from India.”

The expansion is also expected to generate close to 100 skilled jobs, particularly in mechanical and electronics specialisations within defence manufacturing. The construction is slated for completion by October 2026, at which point BEML will be positioned to handle large-scale defence production with greater speed, efficiency, and localization.

In parallel, an upgraded facility for the Track Width Mine Plough (TWMP) was also inaugurated. This will enable faster production of trailers for Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) such as Arjun and T-90. Additionally, a 24x7 Occupational Health Centre was launched at the site, underlining BEML’s commitment to workforce welfare and industrial safety.

The development holds strategic and economic implications beyond defence. BEML aims to catalyse a regional manufacturing ecosystem through increased MSME participation, local sourcing, and strengthened supplier networks around the KGF complex. This initiative is expected to not only reinforce Karnataka’s role in India’s defence sector but also boost the state’s contribution to defence exports.

BEML, with a legacy in defence manufacturing since the 1980s, continues to be a key player in India’s military readiness. The company has achieved complete indigenization of several critical defence platforms, including the Pontoon Bridge System, BMP Transmission, Aircraft Towing Tractor, and Weapon Loader. Its expanding portfolio also includes tactical UAVs, High Mobility Vehicles, and rocket and missile launcher systems.

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