IN the fast-changing regional and global environment, self-reliance in defence production becomes a must to secure national interests and with this in view the remarks made by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Pakistan Ordnance Factories Wah on Friday were timely and relevant. The COAS emphasized that technological up-gradation, modernization and indigenous development to attain self-reliance in defence production are vital to meet the challenges of the future battlefield. According to ISPR, the briefing given to him focused on the targets achieved, future projects, envisaged modernization for cost-effective and sustainable production and acquisition of modern technology in line with prevailing operational requirements of Pakistan defence forces.
There is no denying the fact that POF serves as the backbone of Pakistan’s defence and has been instrumental in meeting most of the requirements of the armed forces in terms of conventional arms and ammunition. Consisting of fourteen defence industrial units and a number of commercial subsidiary companies, the POF employs more than twenty thousand plants that are engaged in production of a range of equipment to meet not just demands of the defence forces and security agencies but also surplus for export to a number of foreign clients. The POF, thanks to its commitment to modernization and expansion, is currently engaged in production of small arms ammunition, artillery ammunition, mortar bombs, aircraft and anti-aircraft ammunition, tank and anti-tank ammunition, grenades, military explosives and propellants, rockets and anti-submarine ammunition. The POF uses technology and equipment that has been acquired from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and China. The factories in POF employ some of the latest state-of-the-art processes, including computerized numerical controlled machines and flexible manufacturing systems for the production of precision components. Therefore, it has become a name of quality in the realm of arms production and that is why, in defence exhibitions participated by Pakistan, more and more customers express interest in procurement of small arms and ammunition for their armed forces. However, it is also a fact that Pakistan faces discrimination in terms of transfer of technology and export of defence related raw material. With this in view, there is a need to lay greater focus on indigenous research and development as well as collaboration with some of the friendly countries that are willing to partner with Pakistan in defence production. There is need for diversification of production facilities and upgradation of certain machinery and equipment in order to improve quality and productivity and the Government should provide necessary resources for the purpose on a priority basis as this is investment worth-making.
