Bengaluru: Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and giving an impetus to indigenisation in the defence sector, the defence ministry has banned import of 108 more weapon platforms and equipment. 

Last year, it had banned 101 defence items from being imported from foreign nations. 

Approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the move will give a further boost to indigenisation with the active participation of the public and private sector for fulfilling the twin objectives of achieving self-reliance and promoting defence exports. 

 

"All the 108 items will now be procured from indigenous sources as per provisions given in Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020," the ministry said. 

The second list laid special focus on weapons and systems which are currently under development or trials stages and are likely to translate into firm orders in the future. 

Like the first list, import substitution of ammunition which is a recurring requirement, has been given special focus, it said. 

The move will also invigorate impetus to domestic Research and Development by attracting fresh investment into technology and manufacturing capabilities.

The list, which was released on Monday, comprises complex systems, sensors, simulator, weapons and ammunitions like helicopters, next-generation corvettes, airborne early warning and control systems, tank engines, medium power radar for mountains, MRSAM weapon systems and many more such items to fulfil the requirements of Indian armed forces.

This second list is planned to be implemented progressively with effect from December 2021 to December 2025, it added.

The ministry further added that the defence industry could gainfully utilise this golden opportunity to build robust Research and Development facilities, capacities and capabilities to meet the futuristic requirements of the Armed Forces. 

"This list also provides an excellent opportunity for 'start-ups' as also MSMEs which will get a tremendous boost from this initiative," it said.