Cochin Shipyard With Over 50 MSMEs To Upgrade INS Beas

The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth INR 313.42 crore with Kochi-based Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for mid-life upgrade and re-powering of warship 'INS Beas'. The project would involve more than 50 MSMEs and would lead to generation of employment for more than 3,500 personnel.

'The transformative maiden re-powering project marks a significant stride in the maintenance philosophy of the Indian Navy and repair capabilities of CSL,' The ministry said.

INS Beas is the first of Brahmaputra-class frigates to be re-powered from steam to diesel propulsion. “After completion of the mid-life upgrade and re-powering in 2026, INS Beas will join the active fleet of the Indian Navy with a modernized weapon suite and upgraded combat capability,” it added.

According to the ministry, the project will stand as a symbol of self-reliant India, aligning with the Make in India campaign led by the central government.

MSMEs In Defence

Earlier this month, the Indian Navy had showcased a wide range of new indigenous technologies developed with the help of MSMEs and startups. An indigenous navigation system and an anti-swarm drone, which is capable of protecting its assets from any attacks by enemy drones, were at display during the second edition of Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (NIIO) Seminar—'Swavlamban 2023'.

Various schemes and programs are being run by the government to increase the participation of MSMEs and startups for the development of defence technology. These include Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Technology Development Fund (TDF), and Make procedure under Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

Innovations For Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Initiated in April 2018, iDEX aims to foster innovation and technological advancement in the Defense and Aerospace sectors by involving various industries such as MSMEs, startups, independent innovators, research and development institutes, and academic institutions.

Technology Development Fund (TDF)

The Technology Development Fund Scheme, executed by DRDO on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is a part of the 'Make-in-India' initiative. The Government has sanctioned the TDF Scheme with the aim of promoting the involvement of both public and private sectors, with a particular focus on MSMEs and startups, in the indigenous design and development of diverse defense technologies.

Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)

The Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) eases the process of procuring and acquiring advanced technology, goods, and services for the Tri-Services and other allied defense entities. DAP aims to enhance the Make in India campaign, particularly benefiting MSMEs. Additionally, it sets higher standards for public accountability, transparency, equitable competition, and a balanced playing field within the sector.

Record One-Year Defence Production

The Ministry of Defence, in August this year, reported that in the fiscal year 2022-23, the value of defense production surpassed 1 lakh crore INR for the first time ever.

“The value currently stands INR 1,06,800 crore and it will go further up once the data is received from the remaining private defence industries. The current value of defence production in FY 2022-23 is a rise of more than 12 per cent over FY 2021-22, when the figure was ₹95,000 crore,” the statement had said.

The statement further highlighted the government's continuous collaboration with defense industries and their associations to address challenges and promote domestic defense production. Various policy reforms have been implemented to improve the ease of doing business, including the integration of MSMEs and startups into the supply chain.