Revised SOP Approved for Defence Industry Access to Proof and Testing Facilities

According to the Defence Ministry, the revised SOP establishes a simplified, detailed framework for the allotment and use of proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with the required formats for the process.

The ministry said the revised procedure is intended to make access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and testing facilities simpler, transparent and more industry-friendly. It incorporates government measures aimed at promoting indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, while providing proof and testing support for development projects undertaken by Indian defence companies.

A key provision waives proof and testing charges for iDEX, the Technology Development Fund (TDF), Make and other developmental projects sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. The move aims to support the government's push for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The SOP also provides a consolidated list of proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory testing facilities available with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), government quality assurance agencies and the three armed forces for use by the domestic defence industry.

The revised procedure specifies how proof and testing charges, wherever applicable, will be calculated and paid. The ministry said this is expected to reduce documentation requirements and simplify the process for industry.

The ministry also replaced the existing arbitration provision with a Conciliation Agreement Clause. The ministry said the simpler mechanism is intended to improve ease of doing business by enabling faster resolution of issues faced by India's indigenous defence industry.

Another important provision reserves a three-day slot every quarter at proof ranges for proof firing of government-sponsored developmental projects. These include projects under iDEX, TDF, Make and other Ministry of Defence programmes, along with developmental initiatives undertaken independently by domestic defence companies.