New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched through video conference in New Delhi on August 13 four products each by OFB and BEML, two by BEL and one each by HAL, BDL, MDL, GRSE and GSL, developed by respective DPSUs/ OFB as part of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ week celebrations which continues till August 14.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production Raj Kumar and senior officers from Department of Defence Production were present. CMDs of DPSUs and Chairman, OFB participated in the event through video conference links.

Addressing them Singh said: “Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is one of the key objectives of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan’. He expressed confidence that the drive for “ATMA NIRBHAR 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, Ministry of Defence, to streamline the procurement procedures, production policies and indigenisation 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 said.

Referring to corporatisation of OFB, the Minister said “if government owned defence industries are to compete at national and international level then the outdated practices will have to be done away with.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. I am sure this step will not only help remove 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.”

Among the products launched 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 Cr in the first phase, which may go up to more than Rs 3000 cr.

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 8.6×70 mm Sniper developed by Rifle Factory Ishapore for engaging long range targets, were also launched.

He appreciated BEML for the products launched saying their endeavours towards indigenisation and reduction in imports are impressive. Singh said, “The 150 tonne payload capacity Dump Truck, one of the biggest Electric Mining Dump Trucks, and Super Giant Mining Excavator of 180 tonne capacity, both indigenously designed and manufactured with cost benefit of over 20 per cent than the imported equipment and with expected foreign exchange savings of Rs. 1500 crore and Rs. 220 crore respectively are true ‘atma nirbhar’ products.”

He said “GAUR’, the BEML Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle built on a high mobility chassis, with impressive features and customisable protection levels and custom built heliportable 100 HP Dozer, with very high indigenisation levels of 85 per cent and 94 per cent respectively, are remarkable products.”

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

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 programmes for various beneficiaries ranging from local community members to high-end engineering professionals in line with the “Make in India” Mission.

The Linear Variable Differential Transducer fully designed and developed by BEL, which is critical to attain accuracy & precision in guiding and seeking the target, and the launch of 1 kW 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 indigenised products.

The Konkurs Launchers Test Equipment designed and developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (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.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited or 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’.

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 crore for five ship sets due to indigenisation.

Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle by MDL which has completed laboratory trials commences its Field Evaluation Trials at Chennai on August 13.

Singh unveiled these products by pressing a remote button. He congratulated the Management and Employees of DPSUs and Ordnance Factories for their effort in churning out the indigenised products and applaud their commitment towards the cause of ‘atma nirbharta’.

Rajnath Singh specially congratulated Secretary, Defence Production and his team for the initiative taken to celebrate the ‘Atma Nirbharta’ week from August 7 to 14. He said, “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 abhyan’ and contribute immeasurably to the cause of national security and self-reliance.”

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.”