Self-reliance in defence production hallmark of any country, says COAS

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa remarked on Tuesday that “self-reliance in defence production is a hallmark of any country”, and lauded Heavy Industries Taxila of the “milestones achieved” towards self-sufficiency.

“Self-reliance in defence production is the hallmark of any country and we are proud of the milestones achieved towards that end,” Gen Bajwa was quoted in an Inter-Services Public Relations press release.

The military’s media wing shared that the COAS during a visit to the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) was briefed about the facility’s “capabilities, progress of ongoing projects and recently undertaken balancing, modernisation and revamping (BMR) measures” for the production units.

“COAS visited various facilities of HIT and witnessed recently developed enhanced protection solutions and remote weapon systems for tanks, indigenously developed 155 mm artillery gun barrel, ballistic and improvised explosive device protection of military vehicles and manufacturing, rebuild and upgradation of tanks and armoured personnel carriers,” said the ISPR.

The army chief also ‘witnessed’ the ongoing research and development projects being done at the facility. HIT’s efforts to attain “self-reliance through indigenisation in modern technologies of tanks, artillery guns and ballistic protection solutions for vehicle”, was also lauded.

“COAS expressed his confidence in expertise of HIT and appreciated the commitment of the chairman, officers and workforce towards transforming HIT into a modern defence production industry for meeting requirements of armed forces and law enforcement agencies at par with international standards,” said the ISPR.

The military’s media wing stated that the COAS on arrival was received by HIT Chairman Major General Syed Aamer Raza.