advertisement
The defence ministry announced on Wednesday that it has allowed private sector to manufacture eight selected ammunition for the Indian Army in a major reform initiative.
The ministry said the aim of the decision is to facilitate development of indigenous capacity, reduce import dependence and develop a robust supply of ammunition within the country.
The Army has been reeling under severe shortage of ammunition and it has been pressing the government to address the issue in view of the security challenges the country is facing.
At present, various ordnance factories supply ammunition to the armed forces.
The move comes around six months after the government unveiled the ambitious strategic partnership model under which Indian private sector companies will be allowed to form joint ventures with foreign defence majors to build fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and main battle tanks in India.
The defence ministry said the indigenous manufacturer will be required to set up a new establishment to produce the ammunition.
It said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved a long term contract of 10 years with the selected ammunition manufacturer, to facilitate a viable commercial model.
It said Individual Indian companies, as per Indian Companies Act 2013, with foreign equity not exceeding 49 percent, owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens, and consortium consisting of only Indian companies and wholly owned subsidiary company, were eligible to participate.
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)