Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme [DTIS]

India is on its way to becoming self-reliant. The nation is taking several initiatives to develop facilities within the country and reduce the dependency on imports. The Ministry of Defence launched the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) to boost inhouse defence and aerospace manufacturing. Under the Make in India initiative, the Government of India has accorded the development of the defence and aerospace manufacturing base and reduced dependency on imports.

Under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme, interested bidders can request information for setting up defence testing labs. Two states, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, have been announced as Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) under the scheme.

Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme - Overview

Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme Objective

The objective of developing the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme is to enhance the indigenous capabilities and manufacturing in the field of defence and aerospace. The scheme focuses on collaborating with start-ups and MSMEs to build the infrastructure for defence testing.

Areas of Focus and Scope of DTIS

The scheme provides financial assistance from the central government to private groups for setting up facilities for testing defence systems. The testing of defence equipment and systems include:

• Testing for radars and electronic equipment
• Testing of drones
• Testing of defence equipment software
• Ballistic testing
• Aerospace equipment testing

Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme Implementation

• Defence Testing Infrastructure can be set through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called the Implementation Agency.
• The Implementation Agency should be registered under the Companies Act, 2013 as a Section 8 company.
• State governments and private companies registered in India are the only ones eligible to form the Implementation Agency.
• All companies of the Implementation Agencies should have a positive net worth.
• None of the blacklisted companies is eligible for being a part of the Implementation Agency.
• The statutory clearance on the testing of defence systems and equipment is the responsibility of the Implementation Agency.

FAQs on Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme

Q.1. Why was the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme launched?

The Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme aims to build indigenous facilities for testing defence and aerospace systems and equipment under the Make in India initiative.

Q.2. When was the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme launched?

The Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme was launched on May 8th, 2020.

Q.3. What is an Implementation Agency under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme?

An Implementation Agency is a private company or state government that is registered under the Companies Act, 2013 as a Section 8 company. It is responsible for providing statutory clearance on testing defence equipment.

Q.4. How much does the government fund the DTI under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme?

The government funds 75 percent of the DTI under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme.