New State-of-the-Art Defence Testing Facilities to Bolster 'Aatmanirbharta'

An agreement was signed to establish three advanced testing facilities in Uttar Pradesh to boost defence self-reliance under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme. The Memorandum of Understanding involves collaboration between the defence ministry and UPEIDA. These facilities will focus on unmanned aerial systems, communications, and mechanical and material testing.

In a significant development aimed at enhancing defence self-reliance, an agreement was signed on Tuesday to set up three state-of-the-art testing facilities in Uttar Pradesh. These advanced setups will cater to unmanned aerial systems, communications, and mechanical and material domains, according to the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between senior officials of the defence ministry and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) in New Delhi. As per the agreement, Lucknow will get a facility focused on mechanical and material testing, while Kanpur will host two facilities dedicated to unmanned aerial systems and communications.

Launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in May 2020, the DTIS has an outlay of Rs 400 crore. The initiative aims to promote indigenous defence productions by creating advanced testing facilities in collaboration with private industry and central/state governments. This move not only reduces imports but also propels the defence and aerospace sectors in the defence industrial corridors.

(With inputs from agencies.)