New Delhi, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the use of the Ministry of Defence’s Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Test Facilities by the domestic defence industry.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the revised SOP lays down a detailed yet simplified procedure for allotment and utilisation of proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with the requisite formats.
The ministry said the revised procedure is aimed at providing simpler, transparent and industry-friendly access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities. It incorporates various government initiatives to promote indigenisation, innovation and defence exports while providing proof and testing support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian defence industry.
A key feature of the revised SOP is the waiver of proof and testing charges for iDEX, TDF, Make and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence. The move is intended to support the government’s drive towards ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence’.
The SOP also lists the Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Laboratory Test Facilities available with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services for use by the Indian defence industry.
The ministry said the procedure for calculating and paying proof and testing charges, wherever applicable, has also been incorporated into the SOP. This is expected to simplify documentation and streamline the process for industry.
The revised SOP further replaces the existing provision for arbitration with a simpler and industry-friendly Conciliation Agreement Clause. The provision is aimed at facilitating Ease of Doing Business by enabling faster resolution of issues faced by the indigenous defence industry.
Under the revised framework, a three-day slot every quarter has been reserved at Proof Ranges for proof firing of government-sponsored developmental projects. These include projects under iDEX, TDF and Make, other Ministry of Defence developmental projects, as well as projects undertaken on the own initiative of the indigenous defence industry.
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