In a major step towards strengthening self-reliance and operational readiness in high-altitude regions, the Fire & Fury Corps of the Indian Army today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd (ADSL), part of the JCBL Group, for the establishment of a New Generation Vehicle (NGV) Repair Hub and Warehouse inside the 14 Corps Zonal Workshop in Leh.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the Army’s drive to enhance logistics capability by creating a dedicated Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) repair and warehousing facility within its operational area. The facility will cater to maintenance, spare part support, and readiness of next-generation defence vehicles deployed in the challenging terrain of Ladakh.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at Headquarters 14 Corps, Leh, in the presence of Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, Corps Commander, 14 Corps, who presided over the event. The MoU was formally signed by Brig Nipoon Sood, Brig EME, 14 Corps, on behalf of the Indian Army. Senior formation officers, including General Officers Commanding of divisions stationed in Ladakh, attended the event.
Representing the JCBL Group, Mr. Raj Kumar Pandey (Director & CEO) and Col Rajwinder Singh (Retd) (COO) were present. The ceremony also saw participation from representatives of leading defence and industrial firms, including TASL, BFL, Polaris, JSW, and MDSL, underscoring the growing synergy between the armed forces and the private defence ecosystem.
Under the collaboration, JCBL Group (ADSL) will leverage its expertise in defence manufacturing, technical support, training, R&D, and retro-modification through the NGV Hub framework established at Leh. The Group will maintain ready stocks of fast-moving spares for Army vehicles and equipment, as well as supply critical components and parts for warlike stores through its domestic and international channels.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla described the partnership as a vital step in enhancing the operational efficiency and logistics resilience of the Fire & Fury Corps. He emphasised the importance of utilising industry warehouses in forward areas and revealed plans to expand such facilities to three additional locations within the 14 Corps Area of Responsibility in the near future.
Mr. Rishi Aggarwal, Managing Director, JCBL Group, expressed pride in partnering with the Indian Army’s most operationally active formation, saying, “This collaboration with the Fire & Fury Corps is particularly special for us. We commend Lt Gen Bhalla for his visionary approach in integrating industry support at the field formation level, ensuring improved equipment availability and operational readiness.”
The establishment of the NGV Repair Hub and Warehouse at Leh marks another significant stride towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Logistics, enhancing the Army’s preparedness and self-sufficiency in one of the country’s most demanding operational theatres.
