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New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 13, 2020, launched here four products each by OFB and BEML, two by BEL, and one each by HAL, BDL, MDL, GRSE, and GSL, developed by respective DPSUs/ OFB as part of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ week celebrations which will continues till August 14, 2020.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production Raj Kumar, and senior officers from DDP were present. CMDs of DPSUs and Chairman, OFB, participated at the event through video conference links. Addressing them, Rajnath Singh said, “Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is one of the key objectives of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan.’ He expressed confidence that the drive for “ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT” to realise the goal of self-reliance would give necessary impetus to India’s defence production.

Rerring to corporatisation of OFB, Rajnath said, “if government owned defence industries are to compete at national and international level, the outdated practices will have to be done away with. We need to have modern management techniques, technology infusion and collaborative efforts to help aid the state defence industries serve the country efficiently. With this purpose, the government has initiated steps towards Corporatisation of OFB. I am sure this step will not only help remove the constraints of controlled pricing, but will also infuse corporate management practices and efficient systems. I understand that it will be a challenge for OFB to reinvent itself but I hope they will succeed in it.”

The products launched on August 13 included the prototype of Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) developed by Ordnance Factory Medak in association with DRDL, Hyderabad. NAMICA has the potential for import substitution to the tune of Rs 260 crore in the first phase, which may go up to more than Rs 3,000 crore. The other products of Ordnance Factory Board such as the fully indigenous 14.5 mm Anti Material Rifle being manufactured with the existing facilities at Ordnance Factory, Trichy, the upgraded Commander’s Thermal Imager Cum Day Sight for T90 Main Battle Tank, and the prototype of 8.6×70 mm Sniper developed by Rifle Factory Ishapore for engaging long range targets, were also launched, according to a PIB release.

Rajnath said,“The 150 Ton payload capacity Dump Truck, one of the biggest Electric Mining Dump Trucks, and Super Giant Mining Excavator of 180 Ton Capacity, both indigenously designed and manufactured with cost benefit of over 20% than the imported equipment and with expected foreign exchange savings of Rs 1,500 crore and Rs. 220 crore respectively are true ‘atma nirbhar’ products.”

The roll out of the 150th Do-228 aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL, is a milestone in the indigenous manufacture of the proven platform. The christening of the 150th aircraft as IN-259 and customising it as a dedicated platform for Indian Navy in the Maritime Reconnaissance & Intelligence Warfare role is a true reflection of the technical prowess of HAL.

The Linear Variable Differential Transducer fully designed and developed by BEL, which is critical to attain accuracy & precision in guiding and seeking the target, and the launch of 1kW Transmitter Aerial Switching Rack, an import substitution for HF Aerial switching Unit, for providing better long-term support to Indian Navy, are genuine indigenized products.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited ( GRSE)’s design and development of the Portable Pedestrian (Assault) Bridge, first of its kind made of Carbon Fibre Polymer Composite Material, to meet the requirements of the Indian Army is a genuine ‘atma nirbhar product’.

The indigenous development of Gearbox for the Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels project by GSL is a success story not only in Self-reliance but also in partnering with a private company, resulting in saving of Rs 37.50 crore for 5 ship sets due to Indigenisation.

Rajnath unveiled these products by pressing a remote button. He congratulated the Management and Employees of DPSUs and Ordnance factories for their effort in churning out the indigenised products. He specially congratulated Secretary, Defence Production, and his team for the initiative taken to celebrate the ‘Atma Nirbharta’ week from August 7 to August 14, 2020.

He said “The impressive list of indigenous products and new products which have been launched today, gives me confidence that the DPSUs and Ordnance Factories would be the prime drivers of the ‘atma nirbhar abhyan’.