Made in India military weapons and support systems

[bloo]

 

[Hindustani78]

Soldiers fire a Bofors gun during an exercise at the Devlali firing range in Maharashtra in 2016. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

 

[Hindustani78]

 

[AMCA]

What is this plane?

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
25-October, 2017 15:56 IST
MoS Defence Says Indigenisation Vital in Defence Sector

The Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre has said that the quest for indigenisation must be the foremost concern of any organisation as it is even more important in Defence sector as it leads to self-reliance which is critical to national security. He was inaugurating a seminar on Solutions to Problem Statements with a theme ‘Indigenous Technological Empowerment of the Indian Army’, here today.

Dr. Bhamre stated that significance of indigenisation must be fully absorbed by all stakeholders and must implement ‘Make in India’ in all future acquisition programmes. He appreciated that the Indian Army has not only organised a series of initiatives towards this objective, but also created the Army Design Bureau, which is a unique organisation to facilitate interaction and seek participation of the Indian industry and the academic community. Commenting that technology has permeated into all facets of daily existence, he said its relevance in warfare is most critical and always the side with access to better technologies will always win. “True self-reliance in Defence, therefore will flow out of fully home-grown technology”, he said. The Raksha Rajya Mantri mentioned that the government in the recent past launched several initiatives to develop technologies in niche sectors like defence and aerospace. There is a Technological Development Fund in the Ministry of Defence for specific projects. He said initiatives like the Skill India and Startup India will further create the necessary eco-system in the defence sector to realize a fully Made in India platform.

Dr. Bhamre said the government has put defence at the core of its ‘Make in India’ programme and further stated that various companies are expressing their willingness to invest in India by utilizing the country’s highly talented and skilled manpower. This has a huge potential and to even export the products to friendly foreign countries. Dr. Bhamre also inaugurated an exhibition of Solutions and Innovations at the venue.

Speaking at the function the Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat said that the Army has encouraged the academia and the industry in the country to come and understand the requirements with regard to equipment that is needed by the Army.

Secretary General, FICCI Dr. Sanjaya Baru, CMD Bharat Forge Ltd Shri Baba N Kalyani and Lt Gen (Retd) Subrata Saha also spoke on the occasion.

The function was attended by senior officials from the Indian Army, Ministry of Defence, FICCI and several representatives from the industry and academic community.

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The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre inaugurating an exhibition of Solutions and Innovations, at a seminar on Solutions to Problem Statements with the theme ‘Indigenous Technological Empowerment of the Indian Army’ in New Delhi on October 25, 2017. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat is also seen.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre getting some inputs from the Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat while going round an exhibition of Solutions and Innovations, at a seminar on Solutions to Problem Statements with the theme ‘Indigenous Technological Empowerment of the Indian Army’ in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre at the inaugural of a seminar on Solutions to Problem Statements with the theme ‘Indigenous Technological Empowerment of the Indian Army’ in New Delhi on October 25, 2017. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre addressing the gathering, at a seminar on Solutions to Problem Statements with the theme ‘Indigenous Technological Empowerment of the Indian Army’ in New Delhi on October 25, 2017. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat addressing the gathering, at a seminar on Solutions to Problem Statements with the theme ‘Indigenous Technological Empowerment of the Indian Army’ in New Delhi on October 25, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Water Car Engineer]

 

[Water Car Engineer]

 

[Water Car Engineer]

L&T said that the construction of other OPVs will be delivered ahead of the contracted delivery dates.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley launching the mandatory use of Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for all Central Sector Schemes, in New Delhi on October 27, 2017. The Minister of State for Finance and Shipping, Shri P. Radhakrishnan, the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla and the Finance Secretary, Shri Ashok Lavasa are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley addressing at the launch of the mandatory use of Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for all Central Sector Schemes, in New Delhi on October 27, 2017. The Minister of State for Finance and Shipping, Shri P. Radhakrishnan and the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley addressing at the launch of the mandatory use of Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for all Central Sector Schemes, in New Delhi on October 27, 2017. The Minister of State for Finance and Shipping, Shri P. Radhakrishnan, the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla and the Finance Secretary, Shri Ashok Lavasa are also seen.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman releasing a first-ever Coffee Table Book on Department of Defence Production titled ‘A Journey Towards Self-Reliance’, in New Delhi on October 27, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, the Secretary (Defence Production), Shri A.K. Gupta and other dignitaries are also seen.

Ministry of Defence
27-October, 2017 18:01 IST
RM Releases Coffee Table Book on Department of Defence Production

Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman released a coffee table book on the Department of Defence Production (DDP), titled ‘A journey towards self-reliance’ here today. The first ever coffee table book on the department, it chronicles the post-independence years of development, indigenisation and production of arms, ammunition and defence equipment, with a view to achieve self-reliance for the Armed Forces of India.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, in her message printed in the book says, “The coffee table book is a noteworthy initiative of DDP to compile success stories of projects of OFB/ DPSUs, transcending from the stage of inception to execution.”

A similar view is echoed by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre who in his message says, “I am pleased to learn that DDP is bringing out a “Coffee Table Book” highlighting inception of OFB/ DPSUs, production of wide ranging products at various units, indigenization efforts as well as the Corporate Social Responsibilities.”

The contents of the book are a remarkable collection of past and current defence equipment produced in India. Avid readers will find themselves immersed in a world of illustrations and remarkable photographs, captured at ‘the’ moments, and revealing relevant texts, which will be of interest to the ‘defence technology-savvy’ Indians.

The book epitomises the visionary approach of the Government of India seeking to establish India as a global manufacturing hub, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It lends credence to the sincere efforts put in by thousands of unknown faces, to mould and shape the Indian defence industry.

 

[Hindustani78]

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Ministry of Defence
28-October, 2017 15:53 IST
Raksha Mantri interacts with industry representatives for energising Make in India in defence sector

Raksha Mantri Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with CII representatives consisting of Indian companies and foreign OEMS at a round table on Energising ‘Make in India’ in defence sector.

The present government has taken a series of significant policy initiatives, including promulgation of DPP 2016 which gives highest priority to indigenous design and manufacture of defence equipment, introduction of Strategic Partnership model, liberalization of FDI norms and providing a level-playing to private industry.

In the round table, a wide range of issues relating to private participation in defence manufacturing, including matters relating to licensing, taxes and duties, speeding up of procurement processes, streamlining of the offsets regime and creation of a tiered defence industrial ecosystem with full integration and skilling of manpower in the MSME sector were discussed.

The present government is fully committed to removing all the stumbling blocks and facilitating private participation in defence manufacturing with the objective of bringing high value foreign investment into the defence sector, building indigenous capabilities, fostering absorption and assimilation of technologies, and ensuring self-reliance in meeting the country’s defence needs by providing a level playing field.

Raksha Mantri issued directions to the team of officers headed by the Defence Secretary for time bound action on key issues raised at the round table, including the resolution of licensing with the Ministry of Home Affairs, tax related matters with the Ministry of Finance, commercialization of technologies developed by DRDO and timely conclusion of procurement proposals.

MJPS

 

[bloo]

I really hope the Kalyani groups has a string of successes, coz those are some really ambitious projects, specially the jet engine part.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the industry representatives on roundtable on ‘Energising Make in India’ in defence sector, in New Delhi on October 28, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-finalises-plan-to-modernise-weapons/article19944773.ece

₹40,000-crore shopping list ready

The Army has finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns (LMGs), battle carbines and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly ₹40,000 crore to replace its ageing and obsolete weapons.

The broad process to acquire around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 LMGs and nearly 44,600 carbines has been finalised and the Defence Ministry is on the same page with the Army in moving ahead with the procurement, official sources said.

Security threats

The world’s second largest standing Army has been pressing for fast-tracking the procurement of various weapons systems considering the evolving security threats.

“We will definitely look for participating in the ₹40,000 crore modernisation programme. We have capabilities in the air force, navy and land systems. We have to look for their procurement needs and bid accordingly,” a spokesperson for Reliance Defence, told The Hindu.

The sources said a fresh RFI (request for information) to procure the LMGs will be issued in the next few days, months after the defence ministry scrapped the tender for the 7.62 calibre guns as there was only one vendor left after a series of field trials. The plan is to initially procure around 10,000 LMGs.

The Army has also finalised the specifications for a new 7.62 mm assault rifle. and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence ministry’s highest decision making body on procurement, is expected to give the go-ahead for the much needed procurement soon.

“The General Service Quality Requirements (GSQR) for the new assault rifle has been finalised. The procurement plan will soon be placed before the DAC for approval,” said a senior official, who is part of the acquisition process.

In June, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns miserably failed the firing tests.

The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons including the Army’s failure to finalise the specifications for it. The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles.

The Army had issued RFI for the rifles in September last year and around 20 firms responded to it. An RFI is a process whose purpose is to collect information about capabilities of various vendors.

In June, the Army had kick-started the initial process to procure around 44,600 carbines, nearly eight months after a tender for it was retracted, also due to single-vendor situation. Around half a dozen firms including a few global arms manufacturers have responded to the RFI.

Army sources said various specifications for the LMGs and battle carbines were tweaked to ensure that the problem of single vendor does not recur.

The combined cost of the LMGs, assault rifles and carbines will be in excess of Rs 40,000 crore, said an official.

On DRDO missing a number of deadlines in finalising the LMGs, an official said the defence secretary has called a meeting this week of all stakeholders to discuss the project.

“The infantry modernisation plan is a major initiative of the Army and it will significantly bolster the overall capability of the foot soldiers,” said a senior army official.

The issue was extensively discussed at the recently concluded Army Commanders conference, which felt modernisation of the Army must be in tune with the evolving security threat facing the country.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conveyed to the Army during the conference that modernisation of the force was a priority for the government and all its “deficiencies” will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
30-October, 2017 15:05 IST
MHA gives a boost to “Make in India” in the field of manufacturing of arms

The Ministry of Home Affairs has liberalised the Arms Rules to boost “Make in India” manufacturing policy of the Government as also to promote employment generation in the field of manufacturing of arms and ammunition.

The liberalisation of the Arms Rules will encourage investment in the manufacturing of arms and ammunition and weapon systems as part of the “Make in India” programme. The liberalised rules are expected to encourage the manufacturing activity and facilitate availability of world class weapons to meet the requirement of Armed Forces and Police Forces in sync with country’s defence indigenization programme. The liberalised rules will apply to licences granted by MHA for small arms & ammunition and licences granted by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under powers delegated to them, for tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, defence aircrafts, space crafts, warships of all kinds, arms and ammunition and allied items of defence equipment other than small arms.

The salient features of the liberalised rules are:

(i) The licence granted for manufacturing shall now be valid for the life-time of the licensee company. The requirement of renewal of the license after every 5 years has been done away with.

(ii) Similarly, condition that the small arms and light weapons produced by manufacturer shall be sold to the Central Government or the State Governments with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs has been done away with.

(iii) Further, enhancement of capacity up to 15% of the quantity approved under licence will not require any further approval by the Government. The manufacturer will be required to give only prior intimation to the licensing authority in this regard.

(iv) The licence fee has been reduced significantly. Earlier the licence fee was Rs. 500/- per firearm which added up to very large sums and was a deterrent to seeking manufacturing licenses. The licence fee will now range from Rs. 5,000/- to the maximum of Rs. 50,000/-.

(v) The fee for manufacturing licence shall be payable at the time of grant of license rather than at the time of application.

(vi) Single manufacturing licence will be allowed for a multi-unit facility within the same State or in different States within the country.

A notification for the Arms (Amendment) Rules, 2017 has been issued by MHA on October 27, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...nufacturing/article19949923.ece?homepage=true

Requirement of renewal every five years has been done away with

The Union Home Ministry has liberalised the Arms Rules to encourage investments in the manufacture of arms, ammunition and weapons systems, to give a boost to the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ policy.

The liberalised rules will promote employment generation in this field, according to an official statement released by the MHA. An official said the rules were liberalised with the aim of making India a regional leader in supplying small arms to neighbouring countries as well as help it become an export hub.

Under the new rules, the licence granted for manufacturing will be valid for the life-time of the licensee company. The requirement of renewal every five years has been done away with.

Similarly, the condition that small arms and light weapons produced by a manufacturer should be sold to the Central government or the State governments with the prior approval of the Home Ministry has also been dispensed with.

The liberalised rules will apply to licences granted by the Home Ministry for small arms and ammunition, and those granted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)for other defence equipment.

The new rules, which came into effect on October 27, are expected to encourage manufacturing activity and facilitate availability of world-class weapons to meet the requirements of the armed forces and the police forces.

Under the new rules, enhancement of capacity up to 15 per cent of the quantity approved under the licence will not require any further approval by the government. The manufacturer will be required to give only prior intimation to the authority, the statement said.

Licence fee too has been reduced significantly. Earlier, the licence fee was ₹500 per firearm, which added up to very large sums and was a deterrent to seeking manufacturing licenses. The licence fee will now range from ₹5,000 to a maximum of ₹50,000.

The fee for manufacturing licence will be payable at the time of the grant of license, rather than at the time of application. Single manufacturing licence will be allowed for a multi-unit facility within the same State or in different States within the country, the statement said.