Archive · 7 Oct 2026
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.
- When
- The articles report the approval but do not give its date.
- Where
- Ministry of Defence facilities in India.
- 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.
- 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
