Chennai, July 3, 2024 – The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish three state-of-the-art testing facilities in the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor. These facilities will focus on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Electro Optics (EO).
Key Agreement in Defence Technology
The MoU was exchanged between senior officials from the MoD and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited. The ceremony took place in New Delhi on July 2, 2024, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane.
This initiative falls under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), which aims to set up advanced testing facilities in collaboration with private industries and state governments.
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Financial Outlay and Objectives
Launched in May 2020 by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, the DTIS has a financial outlay of Rs 400 crore. The scheme is designed to promote indigenous defence production, reduce dependency on imported military equipment, and enhance self-reliance.
The scheme provides up to 75% government funding as ‘Grant-in-Aid,’ with the remaining 25% funded by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) comprising Indian private entities and state/central governments.
Focus on Tamil Nadu
Out of the seven testing facilities approved under the DTIS, four will be located in Tamil Nadu and three in Uttar Pradesh. The MoU signed today pertains to the three facilities in Tamil Nadu, each specializing in UAS, EW, and EO domains.
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Collaboration and Implementation
For the UAS testing facility, Keltron, a government undertaking from Kerala, will lead the SPV, supported by several private sector companies. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will spearhead the EW testing facility, while India Optel Limited (IOL) will lead the EO testing facility.
Boosting Self-Reliance
Upon completion, these facilities will offer advanced testing equipment and services to both government and private industry. This will significantly contribute to the ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) initiative in defence, providing a major boost to the defence and aerospace sectors within the Defence Industrial Corridors.
The establishment of these cutting-edge testing facilities marks a significant step towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities and reducing its reliance on foreign military equipment.
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