The AERV is manufactured by Defence PSU
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), with 90% of the vehicles components originating in India. The AERV is based on the
BMP-2 Sarath's hull (a license produced variant of Russian
BMP-2) and is designed to carry out terrestrial and riverbed survey to facilitate construction of assault bridges across water obstacles in both offensive and defensive operations in plains, desert and riverine terrain. It has no gun and is fitted with specialized equipment, including an echo-sounder, a water current meter, a laser range finder and GPS. On the left rear of the hull, a marking system with 40 rods is fitted. AERV was developed by the
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) and
Research & Development Establishment (Engineers).
Bharat Electronics manufactures 14 major electronics and sensors in its makeup. == Operational history ==