Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Defense · PIB Delhi · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities of the Ministry of Defense by the Indian Defense Industry. The revised SOP provides detailed and simplified procedure as well as necessary formats for allocation and utilization of proof range and laboratory testing facilities of the Ministry of Defence.
Following are the salient features of the revised SOP:
- Proof/testing fees have been waived off for IDEX, TDF, MAKE and other developmental projects to promote 'Self-reliance in Defense Sector' of the Ministry of Defence.
- The SOP lists proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory testing facilities available with DRDO, government quality assurance agencies and the three services, which can be used by the Indian defense industry.
- The process of calculation and payment of proof/testing charges, wherever applicable, has been incorporated in the SOP, thereby simplifying the documentation and process for the industry.
- The arbitration provision in the existing SOP has been replaced by a simple and industry-friendly conciliation agreement clause to ease business activities through prompt resolution of issues faced by the indigenous defense industry.
- Three days per quarter has been reserved at the proof range for test firing of Government sponsored developmental projects, including IDEX, TDF, MAKE and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence, as well as developmental projects undertaken under the indigenous defense industry's own initiative.
The revised SOP aims to provide simple, transparent and industry-friendly access to testing ranges, field firing ranges and testing facilities. It includes various initiatives of the Government aimed at promoting indigenization, innovation and defense exports, as well as providing trial and error support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian Defense Industry.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.
