Defense Ministry Simplifies Access To Proof And Firing Ranges

“Defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Utilisation of MoD Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Test Facilities by Indian Defence Industry. The revised SOP provides for a detailed and simplified procedure for allotment and utilisation of MoD proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with requisite formats,” the ministry said.

The waiver covers index, TDF, Make and other developmental projects of the ministry, and aims to promote self-reliance in defence.

The SOP lists the proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory testing facilities available with DRDO, government quality assurance agencies and the three services for use by the Indian defence industry. It also sets out procedures for calculating and paying proof and testing charges, wherever applicable, simplifying documentation and processes.

The arbitration provision in the existing SOP has been replaced with a simpler, industry-friendly conciliation agreement clause to facilitate faster resolution of issues faced by the indigenous defence industry.

A three-day slot per quarter has been reserved at proof ranges for proof firing of government-sponsored developmental projects, including iDEX, TDF, Make and other ministry projects, as well as those undertaken by the indigenous defence industry on its own initiative.

“The revised SOP aims to provide simpler, transparent and industry-friendly access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities. It incorporates various Government initiatives aimed at facilitating indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, besides providing proof and test support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian defence industry,” the ministry said.