Navy takes two-pronge approach on tech development

The Indian Navy has taken a two-pronge approach of ab initio development and technology development such as Gas Turbine Generators, High End Electronics and Artificial Intelligence.

Stating this, Rear Admiral R Swaminathan said “These provide ample opportunities both to the big industries and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).”

The Navy has already commenced projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) categories, and nominated Project Facilitation Teams for each project to handhold each case up to the Proto-type development stage, he said on policy reforms which provide opportunity for Indian MSMEs in Defence Manufacturing.

“Indian Navy has always been at the forefront when it comes to indigenisation and with the recent policy changes, it has only become easier to progress the cause further,” said Rear Admiral Swaminathan.

The Admiral was speaking at the ‘Industry interaction on MAKE projects for Indian Navy’organised jointly by Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Indian Navy on 26 April 2018.

Rear Admiral added that the Indian Navy’s requirements are drawn from its self-reliance needs which in turn emanate from the capability requirements.

SIDM Director General Subrata Saha pointed out that the Draft Defence Production Policy 2018 focuses on self-reliance, encourages innovation by earmarking funds for Hackathons, and promotes MSME participation.

He added that the idea of bringing the Draft Defence Production Policy post Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) 2016 clearly supports the forward looking provisions of DPP.

Various Indian industries already have projects at concept of readiness stage under the MAKE II category, he said.

This will only grow with the interest being expressed by the industry in such projects.

Saha disclosed that SIDM has initiated discussions to help develop a methodology for determining price index for technological & performance parameters for Defence and Aerospace procurements.

The SIDM is a not-for-profit association formed to be the apex body of the Indian defence industry. SIDM plays a proactive role as an advocate, catalyst, and facilitator for the growth and capability building of the defence industry in India.

SIDM works closely with the government towards enabling the growth of the defence industry and collaborates with experts from the armed forces, academia and defence industry to optimize the industry’s development capabilities. fii-news.com