Towards indigenisation: MoD puts 108 defence items on import ban list

The (MoD) announced on Monday a “Positive List of Indigenization” of 108 units of defense equipment that must be delivered from local sources, according to the provisions of the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020. The list includes 49 items that will be banned for import after December this year; 21, which cannot be imported after the end of 2022; 17, which will be banned for import after December 2023; 13 after December 2024; and eight, which will have to be supplied to locals after December 2025.

This list complements an earlier embargo on imports of 101 defense items announced last August.

“The list places a special focus on weapons / systems that are currently under development / testing (in India) and are likely to become solid orders in the future. “Like the first list, the replacement of ammunition imports, which is a recurring requirement, has received special attention,” the defense ministry said in a statement Monday.

The list “provides an excellent opportunity for start-ups, as well as SMEs, which will receive a huge boost from this initiative,” the MoD said, adding: “To this MoD, the Defense Research and Development Organization and the headquarters of the service will take all necessary steps, including holding the hand of the industry, to ensure that the deadlines set out in the “second positive list for indegenisation” are met. “

From this December, the military will rely exclusively on local suppliers of defense equipment, including ground, single-engine, light helicopters, next-generation corvettes, early warning mission and control systems, helicopter launches anti-tank guided missile, military-grade steel ships and armored or protected by mini infantry vehicles.

diagram

From December 2022, the local defense industry will have to supply equipment, including thermal imaging rifles and machine guns, an armored bulldozer for mechanized and engineering units, a data network for the ship’s operating rooms and, most importantly, a software-specific version of the manpack. radio (SDR).

From December 2023, the military must rely on a local supply of radar to locate mountain weapons that work with automatic electronically scanned grids, an upgraded version of the 76mm naval ultra-fast weapon stand, Sukhoi-30MKI fighter video processing cards and manual version of SDR.

Similarly, a raft of new equipment can only be obtained in the country after December 2024, including: Built-in oxygen generation system for fighters, starting with Tejas, a medium-power radar for the mountains; fuel tanks for Jaguar and Mirage fighter jets and long-range sliding bombs (250 kg and 450 kg).

Finally, after the end of 2025, there will be no imports of anti-material rifles and their 14.5 mm armor-piercing ammunition.

The Indian Defense Manufacturers Association (SIDM) welcomes the announcement: “The list creates long-term business opportunities that will allow the industry to invest and build capacity and capacity. The [defence] the industry is motivated and strongly encouraged by the Second Positive List. “

Dear reader,

Business Standard has always strived to provide up-to-date information and comments on developments that are of interest to you and have broader political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our proposal only strengthened our determination and commitment to these ideals. Even during these difficult times arising from Covid-19, we continue to be committed to informing and updating you with credible news, authoritative opinions and sharp commentary on current issues of importance.
However, we have a request.

As we fight the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more so that we can continue to offer you better quality content. Our subscription model has received an encouraging response from many of you who have subscribed to our online content. More subscriptions to our online content can only help us achieve our goals by offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, honest and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practice the journalism we are committed to.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.

Digital editor