MOD Signed MoUs with Keltron, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and India Optel Ltd to Set up 3 Testing Facilities' in Chennai

In a significant move to bolster India's defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up three state-of-the-art testing facilities in the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor. These facilities, focused on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Electro Optics (EO), will be located in Chennai. The MoU was signed on July 2, 2024, in New Delhi, with Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane in attendance.

This initiative falls under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), launched in May 2020 by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. With an outlay of Rs 400 crore, the scheme aims to establish advanced testing facilities in collaboration with private industry and central and state governments. The goal is to promote indigenous defence production, reduce dependency on military equipment imports, and enhance self-reliance.

The DTIS supports the creation of testing infrastructure by providing up to 75% government funding as a 'Grant-in-Aid'. The remaining 25% of the funding comes from Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed by Indian private entities and state or central governments. This collaborative effort ensures that the facilities are equipped with the latest technology and can serve both government and private sectors.

For the UAS testing facility, Keltron, a government undertaking from Kerala, leads the SPV with participation from private sector companies. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and India Optel Limited (IOL) are leading the SPVs for the EW and EO testing facilities, respectively. These organizations will oversee the establishment of the facilities, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and functionality.

The Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering the growth of the defence and aerospace sectors in the region. The corridor is designed to attract investments, promote innovation, and create job opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall economic development of the state. The establishment of these testing facilities is expected to provide a significant boost to the corridor's capabilities, making it a hub for cutting-edge defence technology.

The DTIS-approved seven testing facilities across India include four in Tamil Nadu and three in Uttar Pradesh. The recent MoU for the three facilities in Tamil Nadu marks a crucial step towards realizing the objectives of the DTIS. Once operational, these facilities will offer advanced testing equipment and services, supporting the development and validation of defence technologies. This will not only enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities but also contribute to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence production.

The establishment of these facilities is a testament to the MoD's commitment to strengthening India's defence infrastructure. By providing the necessary testing capabilities, these facilities will play a crucial role in ensuring that the country's defence equipment meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. This will, in turn, enhance the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces and contribute to national security.

As India continues to modernize its defence capabilities, the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, with its new testing facilities, is poised to become a key player in the global defence landscape. This initiative not only underscores the importance of collaboration between the government and private industry but also highlights the potential for innovation and growth in India's defence sector.