‘Rawat pushed us to make gun part being imported currently’

Nagpur: During a visit to Sandeep Metalcraft’s stall at the Lucknow defence expo, late chief of defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat prompted the Nagpur company to indigenously develop a fuse fitted in anti-aircraft ammunition. The smart and arm fuses, a key component for the 40 PFFC mm rounds fired from L-70 anti-aircraft guns, are imported at present.
“Rawat just dropped in at the stall and to our surprise took interest in each of the products. After looking at one of the products, he asked why don’t we take up the development of fuses for 40 mm PFFC ammunition. He also briefed us in detail about the technicalities required, prompted by which we took up the work,” says Shyam Agrawal, director of Sandeep Metalcraft.
The development is at an advanced stage, says Agrawal, who remembers Rawat as a rather approachable General. A medium scale industry located at Hingna, the company makes fuses for ammunition of different calibre. The 40 mm smart and arm fuse ensures that the ammunition bursts only after reaching a certain distance. This ensures safety of the personnel, explained a source.
“It was only because of Rawat’s insistence that we took up the job,” he says. Rawat spent a lot of time at the stall and discussed about each component in depth. “It was surprising for an officer of such a to remember minute details,” says Agrawal.
The fuse would be soon put up for final approval, and may be brought into use by the ordnance factories.
Dushyant Deshpande from Vidarbha Defence Industries Association (VDIA) said he had met Rawat twice with former master general ordnance late Lt General Ravindra Thodge.
“The participation of medium and small industries would not have been possible without CDS’s contribution. He was always keen to promote private entrepreneurs in this sector.. This eventually led to private sector contribution in making products like swarm drones, loitering ammunition, simulators and other equipment,” said Deshmukh.
Deshmukh now heads the VDIA, which was founded by Thodge. VIDA is working on promotion of defence manufacturing sector and creating skilled manpower for it. CDS was also keen to visit Nagpur for VDIA’s inauguration and was ready to extend any help needed by entrepreneurs, Deshmukh said.
Former vice air chief Air Marshal Shirish Deo has formed JSR Dynamics, engaged in developing glide bombs and other key equipment. Deo said he had long discussions about his post retirement plans and setting up the industry with the CDS, who encouraged him. The CDS was like a mentor and the entire set up today is due to his motivation, Deo said.
Last month, Rawat had also visited Nagpur to witness prototype of indigenous drones and loitering ammunition, and Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Group. Chairman of Solar Group Satyanaraan Nuwal said Rawat was keen on reducing dependence on imports by promoting Indian industries. He had a dynamic personality but was ready to help industries and ready to listen to their issues.