The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) are facing increased scrutiny following their purchase of Bharath Panther Crash Fire Tenders (CFTs) from a Noida-based MSME firm.
Online criticism has focused on the vehicle's striking similarities to the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 CFT, manufactured by Austrian company Rosenbauer International.
Central to the controversy are the undeniable parallels between the two vehicles. Both the Bharath Panther and the Rosenbauer Panther share a 6x6 configuration and reportedly use the same Volvo Penta D-16 engine. These similarities have raised concerns about whether the Bharath Panther is truly an indigenous product or merely a rebadged import.
The IAF maintains that the contract with the Noida-based firm ensured swift delivery of the CFTs within 14 months, a significant achievement in the face of ongoing global supply chain disruptions. This rapid procurement process is being hailed as a success for Indian defence manufacturing.
However, online critics highlight a recurring concern within India's defence sector: the potential for rebranding foreign products as domestic creations. Such practices undermine the "Make in India" initiative and raise concerns about the transparency of procurement processes.
To address these concerns, the IAF and MoD could release detailed specifications of the Bharath Panther, with a particular focus on its engine and chassis origins.
Additionally, a stronger emphasis on fostering genuine technological innovation within the Indian defence industry is crucial. This will ensure greater self-reliance and help avoid future accusations of rebadging.
