Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for utilisation of Ministry of Defence (MoD) Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Test Facilities by the Indian defence industry.
The revised SOP provides a detailed and simplified procedure for the allotment and utilisation of MoD proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with the requisite formats. It is aimed at providing simpler, transparent and industry-friendly access to testing infrastructure available with the Ministry of Defence.
A key feature of the revised SOP is the waiver of proof and testing charges for iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), Make and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence. The measure is intended to promote Atmanirbharta in Defence and facilitate developmental activities undertaken by the indigenous defence industry.
The SOP also lists the Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Laboratory Test Facilities available with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services for utilisation by the Indian defence industry.
For cases where proof and testing charges are applicable, the revised SOP incorporates the procedure for their calculation and payment. The provision is intended to simplify the documentation and process associated with utilisation of the facilities by industry.
The revised SOP has also replaced the provision for Arbitration contained in the existing SOP with a Conciliation Agreement Clause. The simpler and industry-friendly provision is aimed at facilitating Ease of Doing Business through faster resolution of issues faced by the indigenous defence industry.
Another provision under the revised SOP reserves a three-day slot per quarter at Proof Ranges for proof firing of developmental projects sponsored by the Government. These include iDEX, TDF, Make and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence, as well as developmental projects undertaken under the own initiative of the indigenous defence industry.
The revised framework is aimed at providing the Indian defence industry with easier access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory test facilities required for developmental activities. By simplifying procedures and incorporating provisions for applicable charges and issue resolution, the SOP seeks to make the utilisation of these facilities more transparent and industry-friendly.
The revised SOP incorporates various Government initiatives aimed at facilitating indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, while providing proof and test support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian defence industry.
The move is intended to support the broader objective of strengthening indigenous defence development by improving industry access to testing and proof facilities available with the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services.
