At the program in Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh disclosed four products each by Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), two by BEL and one each by HAL, BDL, MDL, GRSE and GSL, developed by respective DPSUs/ OFB as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharatweek celebrations which continues till today.
The products that have been launched are the prototype of Nag Missile Carrier developed by Ordnance Factory Board, Medak in association with DRDL, Hyderabad. This has the potential for import substitution of defense products to the tune of Rs 260 Cr in the first phase and it may go up to Rs 3000 Cr.
There are other products of the OFB such as the fully indigenous 14.5 mm Anti Material Rifle, the upgraded Commanders Thermal Imager Cum Day Sight for T90 Main Battle Tank, and the prototype of 8.6 70 mm Sniper, etc.
While disclosing the products Mr. Rajnath Singh said, Self-reliance in defense manufacturing is one of the key objectives of the ‘Atmanirbhar Abhiyan‘.”
“We need to have modern management techniques, technology infusion, and collaborative efforts to help aid the state defense industries serve the country efficiently. With this purpose, the government has initiated steps towards the Corporatisation of OFB.”
If government-owned defense industries are to compete at national and international levels then the outdated practices will have to be done away with, Said Mr. Rajnath Singh.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production Raj Kumar and senior officers from DDP were present at the event.
The CMDs and the Chairmen of OFB Participated in the event through Video-Conference.