New Delhi (NVI) The government today notified 108 defence items, including helicopters and Air Borne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, to be made indigenously over the next 4 years under the ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’ programme, nine months after notifying 101 such items under the programme.
In August last year, the ‘First Positive Indigenisation’ List comprising 101 items was notified, in pursuance of Government’s endeavour of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ and to boost indigenisation in the defence sector.
At that time, it was also highlighted that more such equipment would be identified progressively to facilitate and encourage defence manufacturing in the country.
The second list has been prepared by the Ministry of Defence after several rounds of consultations with government and private manufacturing industry confederations to assess future capabilities of Indian Industry which will be able to meet requirements of the Armed Forces, an official release said.
The ‘Second Positive Indigenisation List’ comprises complex systems, sensors, simulator, weapons and ammunitions like Helicopters, Next Generation Corvettes, Air Borne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, Tank Engines, Medium Power Radar for Mountains, MRSAM Weapon Systems.
This second list is planned to be implemented progressively with effect from December 2021 to December 2025.
The second list lays special focus on weapons/systems which are currently under development/trials and are likely to translate into firm orders in the future, the release said.
“Like the first list, import substitution of ammunition which is a recurring requirement has been given special focus. Not only does the list recognise the potential of local defence industry, it will also invigorate impetus to domestic Research &Development by attracting fresh investment into technology and manufacturing capabilities,” it said.
The Defence industry can gainfully utilise this golden opportunity to build robust Research and Development facilities, capacities and capabilities to meet the futuristic requirements of the Armed Forces. This list also provides an excellent opportunity for ‘start-ups’ as also MSMEs which will get tremendous boost from this initiative, the release said.
