'Self-reliance in defence manufacturing': Rajnath Singh hands over indigenous multimode grenades to Army
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New Delhi, Aug 24: Showcasing the indigenous ability to produce high-quality weapon systems, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed over a consignment of Made in India multimode grenades to the Indian Army in Nagpur. Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane receiving this consignment on behalf of the force.
"Visited the EEL factory and witnessed their amazing production capabilities. The handing over of Multi Mode Hand Grenade is a shining example of the increasing collaboration between the public & private sectors. It is a big step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing," Singh tweeted.
The consignment is a part of the order for ten lakh multi-node grenades developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by the Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) of Nagpur.
Ministry of Defence (MoD) had signed a contract with EEL, Nagpur for the supply of 10,00,000 Multi-Mode hand grenades to the Indian Army at an approximate cost of Rs 409 crore. These grenades will be replacing the hand grenade design of World War II vintage, in use with the Indian Army.
The grenades have a distinctive design and can be used in both offensive and defensive modes. This project also showcased a public-private partnership under the Government of India enabling self-reliance in ammunition technologies and accomplishes 100 per cent indigenous content.
Further, speaking at the handing over ceremony Singh said, "The speed with which our industries are progressing, contributing to defence production, exports are increasing day by day, I am sure that soon, in the same newspaper, it will be written, 'India as Defence Manufacturing Hub for the World'."
"The transfer of important technologies by the government is a big thing in itself. For private sector companies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is playing the role of an incubator and has provided free transfer of technologies, access to testing facilities and free access to more than 450 patents," he said.
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The minister added not only transfer of technologies free of cost, but the provision of upfront funding of up to Rs 10 crore under 'Technology Development Fund' has also been made by DRDO for the development of technology. "In order to innovate new technologies, solve problems related to defence and aerospace, and uplift start-ups, 'Innovations for Defense Excellence' or 'iDEX' has also been launched, " he added.
Just like the Multi-Mode Grenade, many products like 'Arjun-Mark-1' tank, 'Unmanned Surface Vehicle', 'See Through Armor' have started producing completely indigenously, the Defence Minister added. Technology is one of the primary needs of any industry in today's time, the minister said, adding that "Today it is dominated by those nations, whose dominance is on technology. Since it gets obsolete very quickly, it takes a lot to maintain our dominance in this field."