New Delhi, October 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that sets out how Indian defence companies can book and use the Ministry of Defence’s proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities.
According to the ministry, the revised SOP gives a detailed and simpler procedure for allotting and using MoD proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, and includes the formats companies need to apply.
Test charges waived for development projects
Proof and testing charges have been waived for projects under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), the Technology Development Fund (TDF), the Make category and other developmental projects of the ministry. The ministry linked the waiver to its push for self-reliance, or ‘Atmanirbharta’, in defence.
A three-day slot every quarter will be kept aside at proof ranges for proof firing of government-sponsored development projects, including iDEX, TDF and Make projects. The slot is also open to development projects that Indian defence companies take up on their own initiative.
Facilities listed in one place
The SOP lists the proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory test facilities run by DRDO, Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services that Indian industry can use.
Where charges still apply, the method for calculating and paying them is now part of the SOP. The ministry said this simplifies the paperwork and process for companies.
Conciliation replaces arbitration
The arbitration provision in the earlier SOP has been replaced with a conciliation agreement clause. The ministry described this as simpler and more industry-friendly, and said it should help settle problems faced by domestic defence firms more quickly.
The ministry said the revised procedure is meant to give companies simpler and more transparent access to ranges and test facilities. It also brings in government measures aimed at indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, and provides proof and test support for development projects run by Indian defence industry.
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