“India’s national security challenges are
increasingly complex and dynamic, demanding a constant and focussed approach on
development of our military capabilities to cope up with the emerging threats
and be a step ahead at all times.” This was stated by Lt Gen Sarath Chand, UYSM,
AVSM, VSM Vice Chief of the Army Staff whilst delivering the Inaugural
Address at the 3rd Annual MGO - Industry Cooperation
Meeting (AMICOM) 2017 with the theme of ‘Evolving New Strategies to
Fast-track Indigenisation’ being organised by Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) in partnership with the Master General Ordnance (MGO), Indian
Army in New Delhi.
Lt Gen Chand stressed that India must be
self-reliant in defence production as far as possible and it may not be
feasible to depend on Ordnance Factories alone. Critical defence technologies
as well as defence manufacturing could be undertaken by industry by
understanding Indian Army’s requirements. He stressed upon the urgent need for
a vibrant R&D establishment and a reliable defence production base
within the country. This would guarantee not only the best equipment for the
forces but also continuous support of spares when required. He added that
private industry has matured, both in terms of technology and financial
capability to be able to actively participate in the national cause of building
self-reliance in defence.
Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar, AVSM, SM** VSM, Master
General of Ordnance, Indian Army said that MGO branch has made Make in India
and Indigenisation their main responsibility. He said that the Government aims
at 70% indigenisation which is possible with the help of the
industry. Lt Gen Nimbhorkar accepted that current procurement process was
tedious and pledged to streamline the processes wherever possible.
Lt Gen Nimbhorkar added that MGO branch is now
looking at platform-based indigenisation rather than just sub systems and
upgrades. Industry is being increasingly engaged on ‘No Cost-No Commitment’
(NCNC) basis, but that longevity of orders will be ensured to enable industry
to get returns on their investments.
Mr Satish Kaura, Chairman, CII Northern Region Committee on
Defence and Chairman, Samtel Group, appreciated MGO’s initiative of
promulgating ‘MGO’s new SOP on Indigenisation: Strategies to Fast Track ‘Make
in India’ in Revenue Domain’, to be presented during AMICOM 2017.
Mr V S Noronha, Chairman, CII Military Vehicles Sub-committee
& VP & Head Defence, Tata Motors, said that Indian products in the long
run are cost effective. He urged for clear communication between the
Indian Army, Ministry of Defense and industry on procurement.
The Master General of Ordnance (MGO) Branch of
the Indian Army is responsible for the operational readiness of Indian Army's
(IA's) vast array of weapon systems, vehicles and equipment. AMICOM will
give the industry an overview of the revenue procurement process and the
indigenisation procedures. It will also witness the release of Indian Army’s
five-year sustenance requirements for imported inventory and critical
deficiencies.
25 July
2017
New Delhi