Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) approved 

Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) approved 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Defence; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.

In News:

• To give a boost to domestic defence and aerospace manufacturing, Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) was approved recently with an outlay of Rs 400 crore. 
• State of the art testing infrastructure shall be created for the defence sector under this scheme. 

Key takeaways:

• Six to eight new test facilities in partnership with private industry shall be set up. 
• This will facilitate indigenous defence production and reduce imports of military equipment making the country self-reliant.
• The projects will be provided with up to 75% government funding in the form of ‘Grant-in-Aid’.
• The remaining 25% of the project cost will have to be borne by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). 
• The constituents of SPV will be Indian private entities and State Governments.
• The SPVs will be registered under Companies Act 2013 and shall also operate and maintain all assets under the Scheme, in a self-sustainable manner by collecting user charges.