The Ministry of Defence has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure governing how Indian defence companies can use government testing ranges, firing facilities and laboratory services. The new rules, cleared by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, aim to cut red tape, reduce costs and speed up the testing of weapons and military equipment made by domestic manufacturers.
The revised procedure applies to proof ranges, field firing ranges and test facilities operated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), quality assurance agencies and the three Armed Services. It replaces earlier rules with simpler documentation, transparent charges and faster dispute resolution.
Key facts
- Proof and testing charges have been waived entirely for iDEX (innovation accelerator), TDF (Technology Development Fund), Make projects and all other Ministry of Defence developmental initiatives
- A three-day testing slot per quarter is reserved specifically for government-sponsored developmental projects and privately-initiated defence projects
- The procedure includes a Conciliation Agreement clause for resolving disputes, replacing the earlier Arbitration clause
- The SOP lists all available proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory facilities across DRDO, Armed Services and quality assurance bodies
- Payment procedures for applicable charges have been standardised and simplified in the document
What the old system required
Previously, Indian defence companies seeking to test prototypes or production batches at government facilities faced multiple hurdles. The process involved complex documentation, high testing charges and lengthy dispute resolution through arbitration if disagreements arose. This slowed down development cycles, increased costs for small and medium enterprises, and sometimes discouraged companies from pursuing indigenous defence projects.
How the new procedure works
The revised SOP creates a streamlined allotment process with standardised formats. Any Indian defence manufacturer can now apply for access to testing facilities using clear, pre-defined documentation. The procedure specifies exactly which ranges and laboratories are available, their capacity and booking process.
Critically, the government has waived all proof and testing charges for projects falling under its innovation schemes and developmental categories. This includes startups and companies working under iDEX, the government’s defence innovation accelerator; TDF, which funds new technology development; and formal Make projects under the Defence Ministry. Companies pursuing their own developmental initiatives also get access, though some charges may apply depending on the facility and project stage.
Why conciliation replaces arbitration
The new SOP replaces arbitration with a conciliation agreement mechanism. Arbitration is a formal, lengthy legal process that can delay testing and impose costs. Conciliation is faster and less adversarial, allowing both the government and industry to resolve disagreements through discussion and compromise. This supports the government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda and keeps companies moving forward with testing schedules.
Support for indigenous defence manufacturing
The revised procedure directly supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in defence. By eliminating charges for developmental projects and reserved testing slots, the government removes financial barriers that deterred smaller manufacturers from entering the defence sector. The rules also prioritise developmental projects, ensuring emerging defence startups and established firms have guaranteed access quarterly.
The SOP incorporates government policies on defence indigenisation, innovation through startups and privately-funded defence exports. These changes make it easier for Indian companies to move prototypes from laboratory to field testing without prohibitive costs or delays.
What this means for you
If you work in an Indian defence company or a startup developing military technology, the revised procedure cuts your testing costs and time. Charge waivers apply directly to iDEX participants, TDF-funded projects and formal Make scheme projects, removing a significant barrier to development. The reserved three-day quarterly slots guarantee access even during peak testing periods.
For defence entrepreneurs, the simpler documentation and transparent process reduce uncertainty and administrative burden. Disputes over testing results or facility access will now be resolved faster through conciliation rather than protracted arbitration.
Competitive exam aspirants studying government defence policy or defence procurement should note that this revision reflects the current emphasis on reducing bureaucratic friction and incentivising domestic manufacturing through reduced costs rather than subsidies.
What happens next
The revised SOP takes effect immediately. Indian defence companies can now apply for access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory facilities using the new standardised formats and simplified procedures outlined in the document.