The Central Government’s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has approved a proposal from the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation to set up India’s first defence industrial park at Ottappalam. It will have modern common infrastructure facilities aimed at attracting component manufacturers in the defence industry. The project will be established as part of the Make in India, Make in Kerala project.
The total expenditure for the defence park is estimated at Rs.231.25 crore. Kinfra will invest Rs.181.35 crore, while the rest of the amount is being expected as grant from the Union government. Ottappalam was selected for the defence park keeping in view its strategic location as far as connectivity was concerned. The park will have a research and development centre.
- The President of India is the supreme commander of the Indian defence system.
- The Defence Minister is responsible to Parliament for all matters concerning defence of the country.
- Indian army is the third biggest army in the world, after China and the United States of America.
- India controls the highest battlefield in the world, the Siachen glacier, at 5000 metres above Mean Sea Level (MSL)
- The Indian Air Force has an out-station base in Tajikistan and is seeking another in Afghanistan.
Test Your Knowledge
- What is the full form of ICBM? Inter Continental Ballistic Missile.
- Who is the first Defence Minister of Independent India? Baldev Singh
