Raksha Mantri approves Revised Standard Operating Procedure for Utilisation of MoD Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges & Test Facilities by Indian Defence Industry

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at facilitating the Indian defence industry's utilization of Ministry of Defence (MoD) proof ranges, field firing ranges, and test facilities. The revised SOP introduces detailed and simplified procedures, waives proof/testing charges for iDEX, TDF, Make, and other developmental projects of the MoD to promote 'Atmanirbharta in Defence', and replaces the existing arbitration provision with a simpler Conciliation Agreement Clause to enhance Ease of Doing Business. Additionally, the SOP lists available facilities across DRDO, Quality Assurance agencies, and the three Services, establishes a standardized process for calculating charges, and reserves a three-day slot per quarter at Proof Ranges for developmental projects.