In a significant move to bolster India's defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to establish three state-of-the-art testing facilities within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).
The agreement, made under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), paves the way for a Mechanical & Material (M&M) testing facility in Lucknow, and two facilities in Kanpur dedicated to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Communications technologies.
Boosting Indigenous Defence Production
Launched in May 2020 with a budget of Rs 400 crore, the DTIS aims to promote indigenous defence production, reduce reliance on imports, and foster self-reliance in the sector.This initiative is part of a larger push to develop Defence Industrial Corridors across the country, with seven testing facilities approved in total - four in Tamil Nadu and three in Uttar Pradesh. Notably, three facilities under the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor were already established earlier this month.
Public-Private Partnership for Advanced Testing Capabilities
The DTIS operates on a unique public-private partnership model, where the government provides up to 75% funding as 'Grant-in-Aid,' while the remaining 25% is contributed by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) comprising Indian private entities and state/central governments. This collaborative approach ensures that the facilities have access to cutting-edge technology and expertise.Key players in this endeavor include MIDHANI, the lead SPV member for the M&M facility, along with several private sector companies. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are leading the development of the UAS and Communications testing facilities, respectively.
Towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence
Once operational, these facilities will offer advanced testing services to both government and private entities, with revenue generated reinvested to further enhance testing capabilities and processes. This continuous improvement cycle is expected to significantly contribute to India's goal of "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in the defence sector.The establishment of these testing facilities marks a crucial step forward in India's defence modernization efforts, providing a vital boost to domestic research, development, and manufacturing of defence technologies.
