New Delhi. In order to give a boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign, in the military hardware sector, the Defense Ministry has proposed amendments to the Defense Acquisition Procedure Manual to allow the private sector to collaborate with Public Sector Units or PSUs with a majority stake and make necessary weapon systems. The decision has been taken. According to ministry officials, it will be tested in the development and manufacturing of Indian multi-role helicopters. There are plans to replace this helicopter with Russian helicopters Mi-17 and Mi-18.

According to media reports, this IMRH, built in collaboration with the private sector, will weigh 13 tonnes and will be used for air strikes, anti-submarine, anti-ship, military transport, and VVIP roles in the Indian armed forces. It is understood that Indian private companies have already expressed their interest to take part in the project and the Defense Ministry has instructed them to build them in the next seven years. Earlier French Safran signed an agreement with Indian HAL on 8 July to form a new joint venture company to develop, produce and support IMRH engines including the Indian Navy.

According to officials, private sector companies will be allowed to export 25 percent of their output and earn foreign exchange for the country. The Indian Armed Forces have been asked to procure the developed IMRH which is to be implemented in the next seven years. Private sector companies have sought assurance from the Defense Ministry that the Indian Armed Forces should buy IMRH even if it is manufactured within the next five years with a time limit and saving money.

It has been decided to allow the private sector to acquire a 51 percent stake and form a joint venture with an Indian public entity, so as to reduce its cost. Also, due to the delay, the Modi government had no option but to buy the much-needed machines from other countries through tenders or the government route.

IMRH is expected to be commissioned in the next five-seven years. Meanwhile, the Indian Army ranks are expected to induct India’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Sirosky MH 60R by the end of this year. While two to three helicopters have already been handed over to the Indian Navy by the San Diego Naval Station in the US for training purposes, the remaining delivery of 21 helicopters will begin soon as per the February 2020 deal worth USD 2.3 billion signed by both the countries.