Nagpur: Defence industry stakeholders in the region pointed out that it has become mandatory after Operation Sindoor to get ammunition tested for anti-jamming features before supply. However, there are not enough testing facilities for electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility to follow the protocol. The matter was raised during the stakeholder meeting chaired by the joint secretary (land and systems), ministry of defence, Garima Bhagat, who said the infrastructure is being set up and is likely to be ready soon.
Dependence on Armed Forces
Defence stakeholders pointed out that currently the industry has to depend on the armed forces' electronic warfare units for their testing facilities and these cannot be accessed easily. Many new-age ammunition which are controlled remotely must have anti-jamming features.
Demand for Testing Range
A demand for a testing range for medium-calibre ammunition was also raised with a suggestion that space can be allotted at the proposed defence nuclear and aerospace corridor at Saoner. Officials said the govt is increasing trial ranges to bridge the gap between available infrastructure and industry requirements. The issue of getting early licences for exports was also raised at the meet. One of the representatives said since European countries are not covered under the open general licence (OGL), it often takes months to bag a licence.
