INDIA OPENS MILITARY TEST RANGES WIDER TO ACCELERATE DEFENCE INDUSTRY INNOVATION

October 8, 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure aimed at making it easier for Indian defence companies, start-ups and research organisations to access military testing facilities.

The revised framework is designed to simplify procedures for using test ranges operated by the armed forces and other defence establishments, potentially reducing administrative delays that can slow the development and evaluation of new weapons and military technologies.

Access to specialised testing infrastructure is particularly important for private defence companies and emerging firms developing indigenous systems, as many lack the expensive facilities required to conduct full-scale trials independently. The revised procedure is expected to provide greater opportunities to test and validate products before they enter formal procurement processes.

The move forms part of the government's broader effort to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and increase private-sector participation in military technology development. Faster access to testing infrastructure could also support research and development in areas such as unmanned systems, missiles, electronic warfare, sensors and other advanced defence technologies.

The revised SOP is expected to improve coordination between the defence establishment and industry while supporting the wider objective of building a stronger indigenous defence ecosystem and reducing dependence on imported military equipment.