Role of MSMEs crucial in Maintenance & Repairs
Hailing the role of MSMEs and private industry in supplying key components to the defence sector, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command said that MSMEs have been playing a paramount role in the armed forces indigensation efforts.
Addressing SIDM&CII’s second regional defence MSME conclave in Visakhapatnam recently the Vice Admiral stated that harnessing innovation for Marine Applications in Maintenance, Repairs, and Upgrades is both timely and crucial.
‘Our nation’s maritime security is a cornerstone of our sovereignty and economic stability. In this context, the role of MSMEs as the backbone of innovation and agility cannot be overstated’ noted the CinC East.
Highlighting the efforts of Indigenisation Unit (East) in working with MSMEs the Vice Admiral informed that orders worth Rs.7 crores had been completed last year.
In addition he stated that at HQENC AIP orders worth Rs 16 Crores are in various stages of production through competent industry partners.
VADM Pendharkar further noted that indigenisation of critical items like Filters for LM2500 Gas Turbines, PCB maintenance kit for SEG, one of its kind UPS and Convertor for INS Shakti, and Propulsion Monitoring System for OPV Class Ships have been successfully undertaken by MSMEs.
The commanding in chief also appreciated the efforts of the Indian Navy in working with MSMEs and hand holding them thru a slew of vendor development programs.
Citing the AMRIT-24 conclave and the Maritime Tech Expo during MILAN 24 he informed that more than 50 challenges across Engineering, Electrical, Weapons and Submarine related issues were identified and deliberated.
‘Such initiatives demystify the procurement process and provide MSMEs with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate defence supply chains’ said the CinC East. VADM Pendharkar however called on MSMEs for moving up the value chain and creating a robust ecosystem for innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability thereby stressing on transitioning from indigenisation to indigenous development i.e. urging organizations to do more experimentation, investing in R&D, and creating environments where new ideas can thrive.
‘We must invest in emerging technologies and build strong eco-systems. Collaboration between MSMEs, academia, research institutions, and large defence manufacturers is essential’ stated the VADM.
He identified six areas in which they look to collaborate with MSMEs. These he noted include Predictive Maintenance, Robotics and Automation, Advanced Materials, Digital Twins and Simulation, Sustainability and Green Technologies, integrated solutions.
‘I believe it is time to reach higher. We need the MSMEs to come forward to provide integrated solutions. Indian warships with 100% Indian weapons, sensors, propulsion systems, and equipment are what we should work towards.
This is what will transcend the country to becoming an indigenous developer, and give the much needed boost to Atmanirbharta’ said the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
