Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar moots special zones for military production, ecosystem

ANANTHAPURAM: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today mooted the concept of creating special zones for military production and ecosystem.

"I expect you not only to set up missiles manufacturing, integration unit here but also an industrial military complex. Let us start the concept of special zones for military production and ecosystem," Parrikar said.

He was speaking at a function to lay the foundation for setting up of public sector undertaking BEL's Defence Systems Integration Complex at Palasamudram in Andhra Pradesh's Ananthapuram district.

BEL said it would be the largest such facility in the country once commissioned, covering 900 acres and would be built in stages at an estimated cost of about Rs 500 crore.

The city-based defence PSU also plans to expand this facility for creation of a Military Industrial Complex to set up necessary ecosystem for manufacture of electronic components and equipment for various upcoming defence projects in collaboration with SMEs as part of government's "Make in India" initiative.

"This is one of the most suited places, in a way it is not suited for people that it does not rain much. But I think many of the systems we require to develop requires less moisture... electronics and others," Parrikar said.

"It is much easier to develop...also it is a vast area, you can handle explosives properly, missiles properly," he added.

Speaking at the event that was attended by Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu lauded the Defence Minister for giving thrust to defence manufacturing under "Make in India".

Expressing happiness about the project coming up in Ananthapuram district, he said, "Next Bangalore you are creating here."

He also said another 3,000 acres of land has been set aside for defence purpose near Kurnool district.

Assuring BEL it won't face shortage of orders, Parrikar said, "I will say only one thing, we got land almost like express delivery. So it is our responsibility now to deliver back with the same speed."

BEL said the facility was coming up to cater to the large requirements of futuristic surface to air missile systems, missiles and associated electronic sub-systems and components.

The proposed complex would be a world-class facility with automated guided vehicles and industrial robots for material movement and handling, the company said.