PM reviews indigenous defence systems facility in Hazira

Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his day-long visit to Gujarat with visit to the armed systems complex of Larsen & Toubro at Hazira in Surat. There he was briefed on the 'Zorawar' tanks and other defence equipment being manufactured at the facility.

The PM was briefed by senior L&T executives about the various indigenous defence systems being developed at the complex. The facility plays a pivotal role in India’s 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, specifically in the field of heavy engineering and armoured systems, an official statement said.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and L&T Defence have developed the air-transportable 25-tonne tank designed for rapid deployment along India’s international borders.

Speaking at the event in Surat, PM Modi said that Hazira was developing into an ecosystem of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’, referring to the defence production facility there. "Hazira gives a clear glimpse of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It presents an ecosystem of defence production, energy, steel, ports and global trade," the PM added.

Later PM posted about his visit to the defence production facility on his X handle. “This afternoon, went to the L&T complex at Hazira. Witnessed some of their pioneering innovations across different sectors. The role played by L&T in furthering self-reliance in the defence sector is commendable,” the post read.