Focus on R&D and Technologies.

India must be self-reliant in defence production and it is critical that private industry undertake defence technologies and manufacturing by understanding Indian Army’s requirements, said Lt-Gen. Sarath Chand, Vice Chief of Army Staff.

The manufacturing should be done as far as possible though it may not be feasible to depend on Ordnance Factories alone,

He also called for urgent need to develop a vibrant Research & Development and a reliable defence production base within the country.

This would guarantee not only the best equipment for the forces but also continuous support of spares when required, said Lt-Gen. Chand at the 3rd Annual Master General Office (MGO) – Industry Cooperation Meeting (AMICOM) 2017.

Private industry has matured, both in terms of technology and financial capability to be able to actively participate in the national cause of building self-reliance in defence, noted Chand in his address at the meeting ‘Evolving New Strategies to Fast-track Indigenisation’.

“India’s national security challenges are increasingly complex and dynamic, demanding a constant and focussed approach on development of our military capabilities to cope up with the emerging threats and be a step ahead at all times,” stressed Lt-Gen. Chand.

Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar, Master General of Ordnance, Indian Army, added that MGO branch has made ‘Make in India’ and Indigenisation their main responsibility.

He highlighted the government’s target to have 70 per cent indigenisation in products, saying it is possible with the help of the industry.

Lt Gen Nimbhorkar accepted that current procurement process was tedious and pledged to streamline the processes wherever possible.

He pointed out that MGO branch is now looking at platform-based indigenisation rather than just sub systems and upgrades.

Industry is being increasingly engaged on ‘No Cost-No Commitment’ (NCNC) basis, but that longevity of orders will be ensured to enable industry to get returns on their investments.

The meeting was organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with MGO in New Delhi on 25 July 2017. fii-news.com