"Faster Defence Deals: Ministry Cuts Down Procurement Timeframe"

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu ) The Defense Ministry has substantially reduced the time taken in the procurement process of defense equipment. Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that this reform will save a lot of time taken in buying military equipment. He said that this step has been taken with the aim of comprehensive reform in defense procurement and achieving self-reliance in the defense sector. Addressing a defense conference in Delhi, the Defense Secretary said that after this reform, about 69 weeks of time will be saved in the entire process of defense procurement.

The Defence Secretary informed that changes are being made in the Defence Procurement Procedure 2020. Under these changes, the traditional nomination-based cost-plus procurement system is being changed to a competitive pricing model. Under this new system, companies from both public and private sectors will be able to compete for orders. He also informed that these changes have already been implemented in shipbuilding and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) projects.

Rajesh Kumar Singh's statement comes at a time when recently Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed his displeasure over the delays in defense projects, unrealistic deadlines and systemic issues at the CII Business Summit. He expressed serious concern about the impact of these delays on the operational preparedness of the army. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also emphasized the need to maintain India's strategic autonomy and the role of self-reliance in realizing the vision of a developed India. He called upon private industries to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and capital equipment to strengthen the domestic defense ecosystem.