The idea is to get low-end technology that is an available option by targeting micro, small and medium enterprises
With nearly 60% of the Army's procurements for spare parts — used in tanks and guns for upgrading and maintenance — being imported, the force is drawing up a plan to be self-reliant for being battle-ready at all times.
Instead of depending on foreign firms to provide basic spare parts that can be easily manufactured in India, the Army has prepared a blue-print for an indigenisation plan that will cut delays in procurement.
The Master General of the Ordnance (MGO), responsible for artillery and other key military supplies to frontline bases, is strategising with Indian defence firms to give a push to this policy that will also be in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' mantra.
The need to give a lift to local manufacturing of spare parts for upgrading weapon systems was first felt in 2009, but nothing concrete was done then, and most of the plans only remained on paper, sources said.
"Now, there is an urgency to take corrective measures, keeping in mind the current scenario of security in the country, which includes the frontiers and also carrying out anti-terror operations," said an Army source.
The idea is to get low-end technology that is an available option by targeting micro, small and medium enterprises.
Critical spare parts - needed for upgrading and maintenance - take a long time to be procured from other countries, affecting the Army's military capabilities.
The annual meet of MGO and Industry cooperation scheduled for July 25 and 26, where Army Chief Bipin Rawat and Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Ramrao Bhamre are also expected to be present, will give a final shape to the policy. The theme of the conference is 'Evolving new strategies to fast track indigenisation.'
Recently, meetings were held at regional centres across the country in Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, Baroda and Jabalpur with an aim to target the move as part of a larger plan to enhance the Army's readiness which has been a grave concern. In a recent report, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also highlighted the critical deficiencies in ammunition affecting Army's preparedness.
Recently, the Army began procurement to fill up the critical gaps and to enhance its capabilities to fight a "short, intense war" lasting 15-20 days amid the standoff with China, regular ceasefire violations by Pakistan and terrorist infiltrations.
The Centre has given emergency powers to the Army Vice Chief to buy ammunition and armaments without necessary sanctions that can cause delays. With the new financial powers given to the Vice Chief, 46 types of ammunition for tanks and artillery guns, spares for 10 types of weapons, armaments and mines can be purchased that can cost approximately Rs 40,000 crore.
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