Background
OFB is India's oldest defence-industrial establishment comprising 41 Ordnance Factories. Recent Cabinet approval for the restructuring of the OFB into corporate entities had been under consideration for nearly two decades. New entities will be 100%-government-owned.
Under the plan, the OFB factories will be split across seven state-owned companies, grouped into capability themes. These will comprise ammunition and explosives; vehicles; weapons and equipment; troop comfort items (including uniforms and other apparel); optoelectronics; parachutes; and ancillary products.
The corporate entities are expected to be formed later this year. Each will be independently managed, with a target to increase productivity and competitiveness (including in export markets), and become profitable. Stock market listings of these entities, in line with other DPSUs (MDL, BEL) are also a possibility.
To make sense of the above development FINS is holding a webinar on the topic.
Experts from the military and industry will analyse the government's proposal on its merit. The talk will revolve around the following sub-themes
1. Restructuring and fulfilling India's long-term defence hardware/software demand.
2. OFB’s restructuring: long term impact on Indian Defence Manufacturing Industry.
3. Existing OFB system and desired change with respect to Quality and timely delivery schedule as per need of Armed Forces.
Date & Time: Monday, June 28, 2021 at 5:00PM IST.
Lt Gen (Dr) N B Singh
Former DGEME, Indian Army
Maj Gen T P Singh
Former ADGQA (Wpns)
