India Opens New Facility for Arms Production at Bhanur
Asia News Agency
Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh visited the Bhanur Unit of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Telangana on July 2 and dedicated to the nation a number of new manufacturing facilities set up by the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU). These include a Warhead facility at the Bhanur Unit and a Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker facility at Kanchanbagh Unit.
Addressing the researchers, engineers, technicians and other personnel of BDL, the minister termed the inauguration of the manufacturing facilities as a testament to the commitment of the DPSU towards strengthening the defence sector and realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
He also lauded BDL for adopting a positive approach towards self-reliance by manufacturing products indigenously in collaboration with foreign companies, in line with 'Make in India, Make for the World' vision. He congratulated the company for preparing an indigenisation plan for the next five years and successfully achieving the target of the first two years.
The RF Seeker Facility, which was virtually inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri, is an integrated Centre for production and testing of RF seekers. Seeker is a critical and technology intensive subsystem which will be used in all future missiles for target tracking.
This facility has been established by BDL with an investment of Rs 50 crore. Rajnath Singh congratulated BDL for joining the elite club of select few companies across the globe to have the capability to produce the seekers. He hoped that the facility will play a big role in achieving 'Aatmanirbharta' in the field of missile production.
Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that the Warhead facility will diversify the scope of manufacturing futuristic warheads and help in making India self-reliant in this field. With the inauguration of this facility, BDL has taken one more step towards self-reliance as the facility will be used for both its current as well as futuristic missiles.
Sharing his thoughts on the constantly-evolving nature of technology and its growing importance in warfare in changing times, the minister stressed on the need to remain up-to-date on the technological front with indigenous capabilities.
He exhorted all defence equipment stakeholders - Armed Forces, scientists, academicians and industry – to develop products/systems while adapting to the ever-evolving situation. He emphasised on strengthening technology forecasting and investing in cutting edge manufacturing and testing capabilities, adding that the inauguration of RF Seeker Facility and Warhead Facility is a right step in that direction.
The minister underlined the importance of developing a long-term partnership between defence manufacturing organisations and academic institutions, moving from 'Know-how' to 'Know-why'.
He said, this long-term collaboration will help academia to work on core technological problems and assist R&D institutions to move from 'theoretical analysis' to 'conversion into actual products'. It will be a win-win situation and give a boost to the defence eco-system of the country, he added.
Rajnath Singh commended BDL for working on R&D of third generation anti-tank guided missile, Amogha. He added that the DPSU has been an important part of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme started under Missile Man of India & former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in the 1980s.
"The programme reduced our dependence on foreign countries in the field of missile development and sowed the seeds of self-reliance. Dr Kalam once said 'In this world, fear has no place. Only strength respects strength'. BDL is working with dedication and hard work towards making Dr Kalam’s dreams come true," he said.
The minister appreciated the vital role being played by BDL in catering to the needs of the Armed Forces, terming its achievements as a proof that the military will continue to induct indigenous systems regularly.
He added that various items of BDL find place in the recently-issued three positive indigenisation lists, which will enhance the company's capabilities besides ensuring faster delivery.
(Courtesy: Defence.Capital)
