Defence Minister Approves Revised SOP for Utilisation of MoD Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges & Test Facilities by Indian Defence Industry
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the utilisation of Ministry of Defence (MoD) Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Test Facilities by the Indian defence industry.
The revised SOP introduces a simplified, transparent and industry-friendly procedure for the allotment and utilisation of MoD proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with the requisite formats.
Key Features:
- Proof and testing charges have been waived for iDEX, TDF, Make and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence to promote ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence’.
- The SOP identifies the Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Laboratory Test Facilities available with DRDO, Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services for use by the Indian defence industry.
- A clear procedure for the calculation and payment of proof/testing charges, wherever applicable, has been incorporated to simplify documentation and processes.
- The existing provision for Arbitration has been replaced with a simpler and industry-friendly Conciliation Agreement Clause, aimed at facilitating Ease of Doing Business through faster resolution of issues faced by the indigenous defence industry.
- A three-day slot every quarter has been reserved at Proof Ranges for proof firing of developmental projects sponsored by the Government, including iDEX, TDF, Make and other MoD developmental projects, as well as projects undertaken on the own initiative of the indigenous defence industry.
The revised SOP is aimed at providing easier, transparent and industry-friendly access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities. It incorporates various Government initiatives to promote indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, while providing essential proof and testing support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian defence industry.
