Can't depend on foreign suppliers to meet our defence needs; Read More

New Delhi, Aug 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that India cannot depend on foreign players for defence needs and such dependence is not compatible with the goal of a self-reliant India while launching 15 products developed by Defence PSUs (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). He also launched the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO).

 

 

The launch comes as the Ministry of Defence is continuing to celebrate 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' week which will conclude today. "We cannot depend on foreign governments, foreign suppliers, and foreign defence products to meet our defense needs. It is not compatible with the objectives and feelings of a strong and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Security is its first priority for the development of any nation. It is known to all of us that the nations, which are able to protect themselves, they have been able to build their strong image at the global level," he tweeted.

 

 

Further, he also emphasized, "We should not only be able to ensure the fulfillment of our national interests but also be able to help other people in times of need. Self-reliance in the defense sector is far more crucial than any other field." Four products each by OFB and BEML, two by BEL and one each by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), MDL, GRSE, and GSL were launched.

 

 

1. 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 Cr in the first phase, which may go upto more than Rs 3000 Cr.

 

2. 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 by OFB were also launched.

 

3. 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 Crs and Rs. 220 Crores respectively are true ‘Atma Nirbhar’ products.”

 

4. 'GAUR', the BEML Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle built on a high mobility chassis, with impressive features and customizable protection levels and custom-built Heliportable 100 HP Dozer, with very high indigenization levels of 85 % and 94% respectively, are remarkable products.

 

5. The roll-out of the 150th Do-228 aircraft by HAL is a milestone in the indigenous manufacture of the proven platform. The christening of the 150th aircraft as IN-259 and customizing it as a dedicated platform for the Indian Navy in the Maritime Reconnaissance & Intelligence Warfare role is a true reflection of the technical prowess of HAL. 

 

6. Further, HAL and IISc have joined hands to establish a Skill Development Center at IISc’s Challakere campus in Karnataka. The goal of this Center is to create a model facility that would provide skill development programs for various beneficiaries ranging from local community members to high-end engineering professionals in line with the “Make in India” Mission.

 

7. The Linear Variable Differential Transducer fully designed and developed by BEL, which is critical to attaining accuracy & precision in guiding and seeking the target, and the launch of 1kW Transmitter Aerial Switching Rack which is an import substitution for HF Aerial switching Unit, for providing better long-term support to Indian Navy, are genuine indigenized products.

 

8. The Konkurs Launchers Test Equipment designed and developed by BDL, to check the complete functionality of Konkurs Launcher replacing the earlier imported system from Russia will save foreign exchange of US $ 17.7 Million.

 

9. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, GRSE’s design and development of the Portable Pedestrian (Assault) Bridge, first of its kind made of Carbon Fibre Polymer Composite Material, to meet the requirements of the Indian Army is a genuine ‘atma nirbhar product’.

 

10. The indigenous development of Gearbox for the Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels project by GSL is a success story not only in Self-reliance but also in partnering with a private company, resulting in saving of Rs 37.50 Cr for 5 ship sets due to Indigenization.

 

11. Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle by MDL which has completed laboratory trials commences its Field Evaluation Trials at Chennai.

 

"The impressive list of indigenous products and new products which have been launched today, gives me confidence that the DPSUs and Ordnance Factories would be the prime drivers of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan’ and contribute immeasurably to the cause of national security and self-reliance," the Defence Minister said.

 

He further added, "some of the products launched today will not only cater to the needs of defence sector but will also be useful for the civil society when needed. DPSUs and Ordnance Factories are national facilities, created and strengthened over a long period of time and have considerable technical prowess and capacity. They also have well-structured R&D and testing facilities and manufacturing capability which should be fully used for indigenous design, development and manufacturing."

 

Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production Raj Kumar and senior officers from DDP were also present.