1 day ago
Rajnath Singh Approves Easier Defence Industry Access to Test Ranges
India has updated the rules for defence companies using government facilities to test equipment and conduct firing trials.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the new instructions.
They explain how companies can apply, what forms to use and which facilities are available.
The rules also explain how charges are calculated and paid when they apply.
Several Ministry of Defence development projects will not have to pay proof and testing charges.
A three-day period each quarter is set aside for proof firing for certain projects.
The new rules replace arbitration with a conciliation agreement to help resolve problems faster.
The ministry says the changes are intended to support self-reliance, innovation and defence exports.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a revised SOP for Indian defence industry use of Ministry of Defence proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities.
The SOP outlines simplified procedures, application formats, available facilities and calculation and payment of charges where applicable.
Proof and testing charges are waived for iDEX, TDF, Make and other Ministry of Defence developmental projects.
A three-day slot each quarter is reserved for proof firing of government-sponsored projects and projects initiated by the indigenous defence industry.
The revised SOP replaces arbitration provisions with a conciliation agreement clause intended to support faster resolution of industry issues.
- Who
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the SOP for the Indian defence industry.
- What
- The Ministry of Defence revised procedures for industry use of its proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities.
- Where
- Ministry of Defence facilities in India.
- When
- The articles report the approval but do not give its date.
- Why
- To simplify and improve industry access, support developmental projects, and facilitate indigenisation, innovation and defence exports.
Existing procedures
Revised procedures
Resolving industry issues
Existing procedures
The existing SOP contained an arbitration provision.
Revised procedures
The revised SOP replaces it with a conciliation agreement clause intended to enable faster resolution.
Key facts
- Approving minister
- Rajnath Singh
- Facilities covered
- Proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory testing facilities
- Facilities listed
- Facilities with DRDO, government quality assurance agencies and the three services
- Projects eligible for charge waivers
- iDEX, TDF, Make and other Ministry of Defence developmental projects
- Reserved proof-firing time
- Three days per quarter
- Dispute-resolution change
- An industry-friendly conciliation agreement clause replaces the arbitration provision
Quotes
Ministry of Defence
The Indian government ministry responsible for defence.
“Defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Utilisation of MoD Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Test Facilities by Indian Defence Industry. The revised SOP provides for a detailed and simplified procedure for allotment and utilisation of MoD proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with requisite formats.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The revised SOP aims to provide simpler, transparent and industry-friendly access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities. It incorporates various Government initiatives aimed at facilitating indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, besides providing proof and test support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian defence industry.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
India’s Defence Reforms Reshape Industry Through Corridors, Startups And Exports
India Targets Rs 3 Lakh Crore Defence Production by 2029
New DRDO Initiatives Open Defence R&D To MSMEs
India Expands Defence Indigenisation With Rs 29,100 Crore R&D
India Expands Missile Testing Network With New Andhra, Bengal Facilities
Defence Secretary Urges DRDO to Cut Projects, Expand Industry Role
Maharashtra Leases 1,200 Acres to Firm Linked to Sule Family
Maiden Forgings H1 Revenue Rises 16% to ₹127 Crore
DRDO HAPS Reaches 21 Kilometres in Successful Flight Trial
DRDO Opens Applications for One-Year Apprenticeship Training Programme
