LUCKNOW: As part of the mission to strengthen India’s defence sector and space technology infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) will implement three projects in the state under the defence ministry’s Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS).

The projects to be located in Kanpur and Lucknow will aim to address the fundamental shortcomings in defence technology testing infrastructure.

Over Rs 117 crore will be allocated for the DTIS in Uttar Pradesh with the Union govt providing a 75% grant and the CM Yogi Adityanath administration contributing the remaining 25%.

The DTIS will conduct advanced research and development to enhance testing technologies alongside offering recommendations and guidance for upgrading testing facilities.

Ensuring quality and standards in defence production is also a key focus of DTIS. The scheme aims to bolster indigenous defence production capabilities and providing robust testing facilities to domestic companies.

Its primary goal is to boost indigenous defence manufacturing, with a special emphasis on MSMEs and startups, effectively addressing the current deficiencies in defence testing infrastructure.

These three DTI schemes, initiated by the defence ministry under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, will be implemented by UPEIDA.

MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited), a key partner in India’s space missions, will establish a mechanical and material testing facility in Lucknow with an investment exceeding Rs 40 crore.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will invest over Rs 31 crore in a communication testing facility at IIT Kanpur

At the same time, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will set up an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) testing facility at the same location.

These schemes will operate through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managed by a five-member team.

UPNEDA officials say the DTI scheme will play a crucial role in India’s self-reliance initiative.