Water Car Engineer
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My problem is that trying out new concept is all good when your current situation is not bad. Otherwise it is like digging well for water after one's beard is on fire. Now the situation is kind of circular, no orders hence no pvt firms. No pvt firms hence no order. I mean, do we even allow pvt firms to do R&D on guns and ammunition? I think our babus will get heart attack if they come to know that some pvt companies are experimenting with guns and ammunition. I think govt should break this cycle instead of continuing status-quo. IMO, based on India's conflict scenario, current specs OK if delivered in next some years, otherwise it will be outdated which will result in the same bad cycle of changing spec and further delay. But your point is right, it is definitely modern (provided systems are delivered on time), not futuristic. Another point is, what is DRDO experience in arty system vis-a-vis pvt companies? This is first project for even DRDO. Looking at the specs, can't pvt companies buy 1970s technology and digitize them locally?? I work for one of the contenders of this project and anecdotally know one successful project our company worked directly with end customer. Whole point is, DRDO is not accountable, while pvt players are. That makes all the difference. Either manage DRDO like pvt firm (which is not possible) or take them out of the scene when not required. Like MKU, a good example how you can one buy moderately outdated/even new tech and then innovate and improve to come up with a very competitive product.
I think what the private companies are doing right now is fine. As in they're grabbing tech from varies players. TATA is grabbing from South African Denel. L&T is grabbing from S. Korea, etc. Bharat Forge bought out a whole factory in Europe and is collaborating with companies like Mandus group in America. And they also might get this design from ARDE/DRDO. Them getting orders and simply being manufacturers of these artillery pieces is a step in the right direction. Before they werent even in the tender process. Getting these orders first will build confidence so they can put in serious R&D. Until then, these PPP arrangements are more than welcome, instead of throwing everything to OFB, etc. Which for the last 50 years or so never put in serious work in r&d, because they never needed to.
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