NEW DELHI: Soon after a new combat uniform was unveiled by the 13 lakh-strong army, a major battle has broken out as to who will manufacture them. Employees of state-owned Ordnance Clothing Factories (OCF) argue that they should get mega contracts, while Army It also wants an open tender with private companies to ensure that soldiers get the best possible camouflage clothing at affordable rates.
The new combat uniform with a “digital disruptive pattern”, ergonomically designed in consultation with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), was first displayed during the Army Day Parade on 15 January.
OCF employees, especially their employees Avadi Factory, alleging that the central government and the military are once again favoring the private sector over public institutions.
“For ordnance factories to survive, they need orders. OCF has the means to design and manufacture combat uniforms,” said an employee. Anyway, they are unhappy with Vishal’s “corporatisation”. Ordnance Factory Board ,OFB), which was split into seven units last year.
However, sources in the defense establishment say that the aim is to select the best facility available in the country to manufacture combat uniforms in all terrains to ensure “uninterrupted supply with right price and quality” for the soldiers.
“Under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, all private players and OCF (now under) Troop Comforts LimitedWill be eligible to respond to an open tender and a transparent procurement process,” said a source.
The current stock of existing combat uniforms will last about two years. In return, supply orders for the new lighter, stronger and more climate-friendly combat uniforms, will be placed later this year, with supplies scheduled to begin in early 2023.
“The whole process of induction of the new combat uniform should stabilize by 2023. OCFs, in any case, are full of pending orders in several sectors, including general stores and clothing items,” the source said.
“Product improvements in the new combat uniform include changes in fabric, camouflage pattern and apparel design in association with NIFT. The final prototype of the uniform was conceived only after rigorous tests with feedback on the shortlisted pattern, design and fabric,” he said.
The new combat uniform with a “digital disruptive pattern”, ergonomically designed in consultation with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), was first displayed during the Army Day Parade on 15 January.
OCF employees, especially their employees Avadi Factory, alleging that the central government and the military are once again favoring the private sector over public institutions.
“For ordnance factories to survive, they need orders. OCF has the means to design and manufacture combat uniforms,” said an employee. Anyway, they are unhappy with Vishal’s “corporatisation”. Ordnance Factory Board ,OFB), which was split into seven units last year.
However, sources in the defense establishment say that the aim is to select the best facility available in the country to manufacture combat uniforms in all terrains to ensure “uninterrupted supply with right price and quality” for the soldiers.
“Under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, all private players and OCF (now under) Troop Comforts LimitedWill be eligible to respond to an open tender and a transparent procurement process,” said a source.
The current stock of existing combat uniforms will last about two years. In return, supply orders for the new lighter, stronger and more climate-friendly combat uniforms, will be placed later this year, with supplies scheduled to begin in early 2023.
“The whole process of induction of the new combat uniform should stabilize by 2023. OCFs, in any case, are full of pending orders in several sectors, including general stores and clothing items,” the source said.
“Product improvements in the new combat uniform include changes in fabric, camouflage pattern and apparel design in association with NIFT. The final prototype of the uniform was conceived only after rigorous tests with feedback on the shortlisted pattern, design and fabric,” he said.
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