Indian Army To Get Assault Rifles, Carbines Worth $555 Million

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines on fast track basis for US$ 555 million (INR 3,547 crore) on Tuesday, to enable the Defence Forces to meet their immediate requirement for the troops deployed on the borders. 

Both the deals had been repeatedly cancelled in the past.

To encourage participation of private sector in defence design and production, and to give a boost to ‘Make in India’ programme, the Council also introduced significant changes in the ‘Make II’ category of the Defence Procurement Procedure, Indian defense ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Considering that no government funding is involved in ‘Make II’ project, the revised procedure will now allow Ministry of Defence to accept suo-motu proposals from the industry and also allows start-ups to develop equipment for Indian Armed Forces. The minimum qualification criteria to participate in ‘Make II’ projects has also been relaxed by removing conditions related to credit rating and reducing financial net worth criteria. 

As per the earlier ‘Make II’ procedure, only two vendors were shortlisted to develop prototype equipment. Now, all vendors meeting the relaxed eligibility criteria will be allowed to participate in the prototype development process. The vendor will not be required to submit Detailed Project Report. After accord of approval of the ‘Make II’ project by the council, all clearances will be accorded at Service HQ (SHQ) level. 

Most importantly, there will be no foreclosure of project after the project is sanctioned, except on default by the vendor, to ensure that the successful vendor has assured orders, the statement added.