- Defence Minister announces third list comprising major equipment/platforms
- Hands over 30 agreements to domestic defence industry for transfer of 21 DRDO technologies
New Delhi. 07 April 2022. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the third positive indigenisation list of 101 items, comprising major equipment/platforms. The list, notified by Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence (MoD), lays special focus on equipment/systems, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in next five years. These weapons and platforms are planned to be indigenised progressively with effect from December 2022 to December 2027. These 101 items will, henceforth, be procured from local sources as per provisions of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
Today’s development follows issue of first list (101) and second list (108) that were promulgated on August 21, 2020 and May 31, 2021 respectively. Import substitution of ammunition which is a recurring requirement has been given special emphasis. The spirit behind issuing these three lists comprising 310 defence equipment, slated to be manufactured locally, reflects the growing confidence of the Government in the capabilities of domestic industry that they can supply equipment of international standards to meet the demand of the Armed Forces. It is likely to stimulate the potential of indigenous Research & Development (R&D) by attracting fresh investment into technology and manufacturing capabilities. It will provide ample opportunities to the domestic industry for understanding the trends and future needs of the Armed Forces.
The industry and industry bodies have reacted positively to this decision. “The 3rd Positive Indigenisation List comes at a strategically important time. Given the current geopolitical scenario, the importance of being self-reliant in defence production is more apparent than ever and the Industry is well poised to manufacture the E 101 items indigenously and enhance the operational readiness of our forces. We welcome this reform with enthusiasm!” said SP Shukla, President, SIDM.
The third list comprises highly complex Systems, Sensors, Weapons and Ammunitions like Light Weight Tanks, Mounted Arty Gun Systems (155mmX 52Cal), Guided Extended Range (GER) Rocket for PINAKA MLRS, Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV), MF STAR (Radar For Ships), Medium Range Anti-Ship Missile (Naval Variant), Advance Light Weight Torpedo (Ship Launch), High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MALE UAV), Anti-Radiation Missiles, Loitering Munitions. Their details are available on the MoD website.
Addressing the audience on the occasion, the Defence Minister described the third list as a symbol of 360-degree efforts being made by the Government to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. He exuded confidence that this new list will prove to be crucial in the development of the domestic industry and take research & development and manufacturing capacity of the country to a higher level.
This third positive indigenisation list has been prepared after in-depth consultations with all stakeholders, such as Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Department of Defence Production (DDP), Service Headquarters (SHQs) and the private industry. Rajnath Singh assured that, similar to the previous two lists, the time limit given in the third list will also be adhered to. He said, Ministry of Defence and the Service headquarters will take all necessary steps, including handholding of the industry, reiterating the Government’s endeavour to create an ecosystem that ensures self-reliance in defence manufacturing and encourages exports.
“3rd Positive Indigenisation List reaffirms GoI’s unwavered trust on the capability of the Indian Defence Industry. The 3 lists provide a shot in the arm to the domestic Defence Industry to realise the Aatmanirbhar Vision of our Prime Minister, build a strong India and attain strategic independence in foreign policy- a much desired aim for all Nations in the current global geopolitical situation, ” stated Jayant Patil, Whole Time Director L&T and Immediate Past President, SIDM.
The DRDO, too, pitched in to strengthen local manufacturing by signing 30 Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements with 25 industries. Raksha Mantri handed over the agreements pertaining to 21 technologies developed by 16 DRDO laboratories spread across the country. These technologies concern Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), developed by a DRDO Young Scientist Lab (DYSL- QT, Pune), Counter Drone System, Laser Directed Energy Weapon System, Missile Warhead, High Explosive Materials, High Grade Steel, Specialised Materials, Propellants, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Radar Warning Receivers, CBRN UGVs, Mine Barriers, Fire Fighting Suits, Boots for Anti Mine, etc. So far, DRDO has entered into more than 1,430 ToT agreements with Indian industries, out of which, a record number of around 450 ToT agreements have been signed in last two years.
“The Indian Defence Industry has been galvanised by the path-breaking policy reforms introduced by the Ministry of Defence in recent years. The 3rd Positive Indigenisation List is another step in this direction and is warmly welcomed by the Industry. I thank the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri ji and Ministry of Defence for reposing this trust on the Indian Industry,” said Baba Kalyani, Founding President, SIDM and Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited.
Congratulating DRDO and the Industry, Rajnath Singh said, the handing over of 30 ToT agreements to the Industry shows the increasing trust of Indian industries in DRDO-developed indigenous technologies. This will further strengthen the manufacturing eco-system in defence systems and platforms, he said, expressing hope that the private sector will make full use of the opportunities being given to them by the Government in order to make India a global defence manufacturing hub.
Listing out the measures taken by the Government to maximise the participation of the domestic industry, the Defence Minister said, 68 per cent of capital procurement budget has been earmarked for domestic procurement to promote self-reliance & reduce import dependency. The other measures include earmarking of 25 per cent of defence R&D budget for the industry, start-ups and academia and corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board.
Rajnath Singh pointed out that despite hurdles, India has always performed exceptionally well, on its own, in areas such as nuclear technology and space technology, due to the grit and determination of its scientists & researchers. With the same resolve, India will soon transform into a global manufacturing hub that caters to the domestic requirements, besides being a dominant force in international market, he added. He de
