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Tag: Defence Ministry

  • Order for Frigates Worth INR 70,000 Crore to Be Cleared by the Defence Ministry

    A massive purchase of new warships for the Indian Navy, around INR 70,000 crore, is about to be approved by the defence ministry. The stealth frigates are the next generation of Indian naval vessels, following in the footsteps of the Nilgiri class, which are presently in the works.

    According to sources, the order, which is referred to as Project 17B, is being bid on by two state-run yards, Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). Project 17A (Nilgiri class) frigates are now being built at the two yards. Four frigates are being built by MDL and three are being built by GRSE.

    Details will be revealed once the project has been approved by the military ministry. However, similar to Project 17A, it is possible that the project could be divided between the two yards. The Navy can reduce delivery times with a split order.

    What is Project 17B

    On the P-17B, which is also generally known as the “P-17A repeat order,” there will be eight ships, as opposed to the seven ships that were indicated earlier. The project is anticipated to be split between the two shipyards that are comparable to P-17A, with each shipyard potentially producing four hulls. When compared to the cost of INR 45,000 crore for seven ships under P-17A, the project is anticipated to cost approximately INR 70,000 crore for eight ships. The primary reason for this is inflation and the introduction of new technology.

    Arsenal That Goes in Frigates

    Electronic warfare equipment, anti-submarine weaponry, Brahmos cruise missiles, and fire control systems created domestically will make up a large portion of the advanced frigates’ indigenous content. The order is a boon to dozens of vendors and sub-suppliers, who will split the workload fairly.

    MDL Order Book

    With current projects like the Kalvari class submarines and Project 15B class destroyers, MDL, one of India’s leading shipyards, possesses an enormous order book. Furthermore, the yard has almost finished finalizing a contract for three more Kalvari class submarines this fiscal year, with an anticipated cost of around INR 35,000 crore. The current six Kalvari class submarines built by MDL will be surpassed in capability by these modern submarines.

    GRSE Order Book

    The Kolkata-based GRSE is building anti-submarine warfare corvettes and next-generation offshore patrol vessels at the same time. Significant progress in export orders has also been made by the yard, highlighting its rising status in the global maritime industry.

    Indian Defense Startups Transforming National Security
    Explore the dynamic landscape of Indian defense startups as they rapidly redefine and elevate national security.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • MoD Confirms Fifth Positive Indigenisation List of 346 Domestically Procured Products

    The Ministry of Defence’s Department of Defence Production (DDP) has released the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) in an effort to achieve Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance, in the defence sector and decrease imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

    Raw materials, components, systems, sub-systems, assemblies, spares, and components are among the 346 strategically vital goods listed by the Ministry of Defence in their most recent declaration. These goods are thought to have a substitute value of INR 1,048 crore when imported.

    Aligning With PM’s Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat

    This action is in line with the goals of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Ministry of Defence’s continuous initiatives, spearheaded by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, to promote defence industry self-sufficiency.

    Launched in 2020, the SRIJAN PORTAL allows DPSUs and SHQs to submit defence items for indigenisation. It targets companies such as startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    Much progress has been made in indigenising defensive products as a result of this project.

    DSPUs Contributing to Indigenisation

    Several of the DPSUs, including HAL, BEL, BDL, BEML, IOL, MDL, GSL, GRSE, and HSL, will indigenise the items in the fifth PIL in their own manner.

    Some of these paths include working with industry partners, such as MSMEs, or developing internally through the “Make in India” approach. The goal of this strategy is to lessen reliance on foreign imports, increase investment in defence, and boost economic growth.

    Working in tandem with educational and scientific organisations, it will also improve the home defence industry’s design capabilities.

    The DPSUs have started posting Expressions of Interest (EoIs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) on their websites, with links given on the Srijan Portal Dashboard, to help in this process. According to the official statement, industry players, MSMEs, and startups are all urged to actively engage.

    Progress Report

    Out of the 4,666 goods listed by the DDP for DPSUs in four PILs, 2,972 have been indigenised, with an import substitution value of INR 3,400 crore.

    In addition to the five DPSU lists, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) has notified five positive indigenisation lists totaling 509 items. These lists contain goods such as highly sophisticated systems, sensors, weapons, and ammunition.

    More than 36,000 military goods have been made available for indigenisation by DPSUs and SHQs as of June 2024. Over the course of the past three years alone, more than 12,300 goods have been indigenised, which has led to DPSUs making orders with domestic suppliers totaling INR 7,572 crore rupees.

    Indian Defense Startups Transforming National Security
    Explore the dynamic landscape of Indian defense startups as they rapidly redefine and elevate national security.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde