Dr Deepak Kumar Hota, CMD, BEML
Vayu: What is the theme for BEML at DefExpo 2020? Are you displaying anything new?
BEML: In line with theme of ‘Digital Transformation’, BEML is launching AI-based Mobile Healthcare Diagnosis System to address medical needs of the Armed forces. Further, BEML are also showcasing new crew-protected vehicles such as the Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle and Armoured Command & Control Vehicle,Bulldozer with hydrostatic transmission drive technology (BD50HST) and 20T class heavy transportation vehicles.
Vayu: Kindly tell us about the orders, deliveries and backlog at BEML?
BEML: In M&C business, after successful trials of in-house designed & developed 180T (BE1800E) eco-friendly electric excavator (India’s biggest), we have received orders for five numbers, planned for delivery in FY2019-20. Further,more orders are in the pipeline including those for 150T & 190T high-end dumpers.
In the Rail & Metro business, we have considerable orders in hand, having delivered the first driverless metro coach to MMRDA’s Mumbai Metro project, well ahead of schedule. At present, we are executing orders related to Kolkata Metro (KMRCL), Bangalore Metro (BMRCL), MMRDA (through DMRCL) andDMRCL.
Currently, the Defence& Aerospace order book is around Rs2600 crore, with major major orders for Recovery Vehicles, Bridge Systems, 1500hp engine and aggregates for ISRO. BEML Defence is aiming to reach orders of around Rs4000 crore by March 2020.
Vayu: What about your pact with L&T?
BEML: BEML has signed an MOU with L&T to explore and address defence products and systems for domestic and export opportunities. BEML and L&T are working together for the supply of various bridging systems amongst others, based on BEML Tatra vehicles for the Indian Army.
BEML Pantoon Bridge System
Vayu: What about your supplies to the Indian Army?
BEML: BEML have supplied around 8500 high mobility military trucks of various types to the Indian Army over the past three decades, involving operations such as for missiles, launchers, bridging systems, ground support vehicles, radars etc. BEML has also supplied armoured recovery vehicles, wagons, tank &missile aggregates, trailers, towing tractors and othersto the army. Our spares and service support has increased multifold to ensure that the vehicles are on-road, meeting strategic requirement of the Indian Army.
Vayu: On the aerospace sector, what are your plans on air defence systems?
BEML: As a part of its growth and diversification strategy, BEML started its aerospace journey with a humble beginning, offering design &engineering services, design & development of ground-support and ground-handling equipment followed by establishment of exclusive facilities to manufacture of rocket motor casings for various missile programmes, precision machining, fabrication and manufacture of airborne sheet metal structures.
BEML has been awarded AS9100 D accreditation for Quality Management Systems and is in the process of acquiring NADCAP certification for the special processes to explore business opportunities from global OEMs. Furthermore, we are associated with ISRO for providing structural assemblies and rocket motors for their Launch Vehicles.
BEML plans to tie-up with other global leaders for manufacturing aircraft structures and systems that would enable BEML reaching the level of a ‘Lead Integrator’ in the area of missile systems.
Vayu: Concerning ‘Make in India’ initiative, where does BEML stand?
BEML: We are exploring the establishment of JVs with technology partners for the manufacture of spare parts in the designated Defence Corridors in order to reduce import burden and develop manufacturing eco-system amongst MSMEs. For manufacture of major need equipment, BEML plans collaborate with global OEMs to introduce and subsequently manufacture select products for the Indian Army, ensuring maximum indigenization of around 50 - 60% by value of the products.