Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the utilisation of MoD proof ranges, field firing ranges & test facilities by the Indian defence industry. 

The revised SOP provides for a detailed and simplified procedure for allotment and utilisation of MoD proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with requisite formats.

As per the revised SOP, proof/ testing charges have been waived for Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Technology Development Fund (TDF), ‘Make’ and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence, to promote ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence. 

The SOP also lists the proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory test facilities available with DRDO, Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services for utilisation by the Indian defence industry. 

The procedure for calculation and payment of proof/ testing charges, wherever applicable, has been incorporated in the SOP, thereby simplifying the documentation and process for industry, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.  

The provision for Arbitration in the existing SOP has been replaced with a simpler and industry-friendly conciliation agreement clause, to facilitate ease-of-doing-business through faster resolution of issues faced by the indigenous defence industry, the statement added. 

A three-day slot per quarter has been reserved at proof ranges for proof firing of developmental projects sponsored by the Government, including iDEX, TDF, Make and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence, as well as developmental projects undertaken under the own initiative of the indigenous defence industry, the MoD said.

The revised SOP aims to provide simpler, transparent and industry-friendly access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities. It incorporates various Government initiatives aimed at facilitating indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, besides providing proof and test support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian defence industry.