Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the use of Defence Ministry proof ranges, field-firing ranges and laboratory testing facilities by India’s defence industry, announced PIB.

The move is designed to make access to critical testing infrastructure simpler, faster and more transparent for indigenous defence companies, Start-Ups and innovators, while supporting the government’s wider objective of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and exports.

A key feature of the revised SOP is the waiver of proof and testing charges for Defence Ministry-supported developmental initiatives, including iDEX, the Technology Development Fund (TDF), Make projects and other government-backed development programmes. This is expected to reduce financial barriers for emerging defence technologies and accelerate product development cycles.

To further support innovation, a dedicated three-day testing window has been reserved every quarter at proof ranges for government-sponsored developmental projects. These reserved slots will cover iDEX, TDF and Make initiatives, while also being available for developmental projects independently undertaken by indigenous defence firms.

The updated SOP includes a comprehensive inventory of proof ranges, field-firing ranges and laboratory testing facilities operated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), government quality assurance agencies and the three armed services.

The consolidated framework is intended to help industry participants identify and access appropriate testing infrastructure more efficiently.

The revised procedure also clearly outlines the methodology for calculating and paying proof and testing charges wherever such fees remain applicable. By standardising these processes, the Defence Ministry aims to reduce administrative complexity and provide greater predictability for companies planning testing schedules and budgets.

Another notable reform is the replacement of the earlier arbitration mechanism with a conciliation agreement clause. The change is intended to enable swifter and more collaborative resolution of disputes or operational issues that may arise between industry participants and authorities during the testing process.

Proof ranges and field-firing facilities play a vital role in validating weapons, ammunition, military platforms and other defence systems before qualification, certification and eventual induction into service.

Easier access to these facilities is expected to particularly benefit smaller private-sector firms and Start-Ups that lack dedicated testing infrastructure of their own.

The revised SOP aligns with broader government initiatives aimed at strengthening indigenous research, encouraging defence innovation, enhancing private-sector participation and expanding India’s growing defence export ecosystem.

By lowering costs, reserving dedicated testing periods and simplifying procedures, the framework seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of locally designed defence capabilities.

PIB