In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Kharga Corps of the Indian Army has inducted three refurbished WZT-3 Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) upgraded and delivered by Airbonics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd (ADSL) — a subsidiary of the JCBL Group.
Swift Modernisation Under Western Command
The project was executed under the Western Command’s Other Capital Procurement Procedure (OCPP) for the Black Arrow Brigade, with the entire refurbishment process completed in a record seven months. Despite the operational pressures of Operation Sindoor and the constant risk of drone and aerial threats, ADSL engineers maintained steady workflow and precision standards throughout the project.
Complex Overhaul and Rigorous Testing
The refurbishment involved complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of key vehicle systems — including hydraulics, cranes, winches, and electrical harnesses. After completion, the ARVs successfully cleared the Indian Army’s Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), proving their reliability and operational readiness for field deployment.
Strengthening Armoured Support Capabilities
The induction ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, 2 Corps, along with senior executives from ADSL. Lt Gen Pushkar praised the synergy between the JCBL Group and the ADSL technical team, commending their resilience and efficiency. He also acknowledged the Black Arrow Eagles for maintaining their equipment at exceptional operational standards.
Industry Collaboration for Atmanirbhar Defence
Rishi Aggarwal, Managing Director of JCBL Group, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to advancing India’s defence self-reliance. He emphasized that the Army’s confidence in ADSL and JCBL continues to drive innovation and higher technical performance.
Earlier this year, the JCBL Group signed India’s first defence MoU with Slovakia, focused on co-developing next-generation combat vehicle technologies. This partnership enables integration of advanced European design features into Indian systems, strengthening the nation’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Expanding Modernisation Footprint
In a related milestone, the Indian Army also rolled out its first overhauled VT-72B ARV from the 512 Army Base Workshop, Pune, developed in partnership with ADSL. The achievement highlights ADSL’s growing role in modernising and maintaining India’s armoured vehicle fleet, ensuring sustained readiness for future combat challenges.
With these successful inductions, the Indian Army continues to reinforce its Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by integrating private industry innovation into its operational core — a step towards building a more agile, self-reliant, and technologically empowered force.
