New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, on Thursday launched 15 products developed by defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat week celebrations which will last on Friday.
The products include four each by OFB and BEML, two by BEL and one each by HAL, BDL, MDL, GRSE and GSL.
While launching the products, Mr Singh said, “Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is one of the key objectives of the ‘tmanirbhar Abhiyan’.”
He expressed confidence that the drive for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” to realise the goal of self-reliance would give the necessary impetus to India’s defence production.
“The concerted efforts being put in by Department of Defence Production to streamline the procurement procedures, production policies and indigenization initiatives would assuredly lead to the development and manufacture of indigenous defence products bringing down our dependence on imports thereby restricting outflow of foreign exchange, encourage development of domestic Industry, insulate India from external pressure and ensure lifetime spares and service support to the defence equipment,” he added.
Referring to corporatization of OFB, he said, “If government owned defence industries are to compete at national and international level then the outdated practices will have to be done away with.”
“We need to have modern management techniques, technology infusion and collaborative efforts to help aid the state defence industries serve the country efficiently. With this purpose the government has initiated steps towards Corporatisation of OFB,” he said.
“I am sure this step will not only help do away the constraints of controlled pricing, but will also infuse corporate management practices and efficient systems. I understand that it will be a challenge for OFB to reinvent itself but I hope they will succeed in it,” the minister added.
Among the products launched today included the prototype of Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) developed by Ordnance Factory Medak in association with DRDL, Hyderabad.
NAMICA has the potential for import substitution to the tune of Rs 260 crore in the first phase, which may go upto more than Rs 3000 crore.
The other products of Ordnance Factory Board such as the fully indigenous 14.5 mm Anti Material Rifle being manufactured with the existing facilities at Ordnance Factory Trichy, the upgraded Commander’s Thermal Imager Cum Day Sight for T90 Main Battle Tank and the prototype of 8.6x70 mm Sniper developed by Rifle Factory Ishapore for engaging long range targets, were also launched.
The minister appreciated BEML and said their endeavours towards indigenization and reduction in imports are impressive.
He said, “The 150 Ton payload capacity Dump Truck, one of the biggest Electric Mining Dump Trucks, and Super Giant Mining Excavator of 180 Ton Capacity, both indigenously designed and manufactured with cost benefit of over 20% than the imported equipment and with expected foreign exchange savings of Rs 1500 crore and Rs 220 crore respectively are true ‘atma nirbhar’ products.”
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production Raj Kumar and senior officers from DDP were present. CMDs of DPSUs and Chairman OFB participated in the event through video conference links.
