The Ministry of Defence has instituted an awarding system to assess and certify different maturity levels of defence industry manufacturers in adoption of advanced manufacturing. This will enhance capacity as well as enable manufacturing partnerships with Armed Forces.
Need for Assessment Framework
While India features among the top defence exporters globally, indigenous capacity in high-end technologies remains unevenly spread. A grading system allows calibrated progress.
- Mixed maturity across small, medium enterprises
- Patchy quality standards, tech prowess
- Uneven spread of precision, automation etc
- Graded roadmap to bridge capability gaps
Contours of Assessment Methodology
The Advance Manufacturing Assessment awards 5 progressive capability certifications with extensive evaluation parameters across key areas:
Certification Levels
- Level 1 – Established Basic infrastructure & Quality norms
- Level 2 – Product Development capability
- Level 3 – Advanced Machinery demonstration
- Level 4 – Process integration for Quality output
- Level 5 – Global Manufacturing leadership demonstration
Assessment Criteria
- Infrastructure adequacy
- Product development lifecycle
- Level of automation, IoT adoption
- Supply chain integration
- Testing infrastructure and standards
- Technology absorption across domains
- R&D and IP generation
Benefits of Certification Framework
The graded certificates will empower manufacturers to streamline capacity building in a calibrated manner.
For Industry
- Clear roadmap for advancement
- Access to fiscal and non-fiscal incentives
- Joint development projects
- smoother global supply chain integration
For Armed Forces
- Assured procurement quality
- Enhanced indigenous capacity reducing imports
- Developmental partnership programs
On Ground Deployment
Six manufacturers were among the first cohort awarded AMAP certifications at DefExpo 2024.
AMAP Certification Awardees
| Company | Certificate Level | Technology Domain |
| BrahMos Aerospace | Level 5 | Missile systems |
| BEL Optronic Devices Limited | Level 4 | Electro Optics |
| Goa Shipyards Limited | Level 3 | Shipbuilding |
| Bharat Forge | Level 2 | Artillery Systems |
| Paras Defence and Space Technologies | Level 2 | Drones |
| Venkateshwara Hatcheries | Level 1 | Armoured vehicles |
Many more manufacturers are slated to undergo audits by designated assessment agencies for certification over 2024-25.
Integration with Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme
The AMAP framework ties in with the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme announced in 2023 to establish certified testing ranges and facilities for defence equipment as per international standards.
Six greenfield test centers spanning across land, marine and air platforms are being set up in partnership with private sector with investments exceeding INR 4000 crores.
- High Altitude Centers at Leh and North East
- Marine testing facility at Vizag
- Vehicle test tracks in Andhra Pradesh over 5000 acres
- Electronic warfare range for EW systems
- Certified ballistics evaluation center at Karnataka
AMAP certification beyond Level 2 mandates demonstrating capabilities at these accredited test beds. The integrated framework allows manufacturers to build capacities in desired technology areas backed by standardized testing ecosystems to iteratively mature systems.
Thrust Areas Mirroring Technology Focus
The AMAP criteria also map with key focus domains identified under the Technology Perspective and Roadmap document to drive self-reliance:
Key Technology Verticals
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
- Quantum technologies
- Smart materials
- Unmanned aerial vehicles
- Cyber security
- Directed Energy Weapons
Capabilities in these shall be accorded priority both under AMAP assessment parameters as well as under R&D partnerships, funding allocation etc.
- The integrated approach offers defence manufacturers a clear sense of national priority technology verticals allowing them to orient in-house efforts.
- With extensive hand holding in establishing testing infrastructure and focus on niche technology segments through incestives, the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem is poised for a major boost.
The pioneering AMAP framework offers a transparent pathway for Indian defence manufacturers to showcase and continually upgrade their technical prowess through extensive assessment parameters. Being future ready with certification assurances enables deeper integration with the armed forces’ capacity building and serves national security imperatives.
Last Modified: February 27, 2024