Jabalpur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jabalpur on Thursday to launch a long-awaited project for overhauling the Indian Army’s T-72 tanks at the Vehicle Factory here, in a move expected to strengthen the city’s role in defence equipment maintenance and add momentum to the country’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Singh will perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the T-72 tank overhaul project at the Vehicle Factory. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will receive the Defence Minister at Dumna Airport and will also be present during his visit.
The T-72, popularly known as ‘Ajeya’, is among the mainstays of the Indian Army’s armoured fleet. The tank is armed with a 125-mm smoothbore gun and is capable of firing conventional ammunition as well as anti-tank guided missiles. Its autoloader system allows the tank to be operated by a crew of three.
The overhaul of the project is significant for extending the operational life and maintaining the combat readiness of the Army’s T-72 fleet. It also underscores the continued use of established defence production infrastructure for maintenance and modernisation of military platforms.
The Vehicle Factory Jabalpur is part of the country’s established defence production network and has long been associated with the manufacture and maintenance of military vehicles and equipment, according to the statement.
After leaving the Vehicle Factory, he will reach South Civil Lines for a meeting with party leaders.
The Defence Minister is scheduled to leave for Dumna Airport at 3:15 p.m. and depart for New Delhi by special aircraft at 3:20 p.m.
Before receiving Singh, CM Yadav will attend the ‘My Bharat Yuva Connect-Khelo India Samvad’ programme at Government Mahakoshal Arts and Commerce College.
The event, being organised on National Sports Day, will connect Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually with more than eight lakh youths associated with around 1,600 institutions across the country. Young participants in Jabalpur will listen to PM Modi’s address live, with the programme focusing on developments in sports, infrastructure and India’s emerging sports ecosystem.
(IANS)
