Exceeding final year’s export figures, regardless of the troubles posed by the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, Uttar Pradesh primarily based MKU Limited is anticipated to touch Rs 250 crore of exports this year (2020-21). Though exports contribute practically 70-75 per cent of MKU’s sale, which is a top defence firm in India, the firm is in the midst of fulfilling orders from the Indian Army for bulletproof helmets. As has been reported by TheSpuzz Online earlier, the firm which is primarily based in Kanpur and is component of the UP Defence Corridor had received orders for 1.58 lakh helmets in 2016 from the army.
With the concentrate of the armed forces in India and globally more on technologies, the firm has ventured into the network-centric technique and this aids in combining the sensors, weapons, wearable technologies and communications. And it has also invested in electro-optics like evening vision gear primarily based on Image Intensification and Uncooled Micro Bolometer technologies with investment in technologies, infrastructure and manpower.
The firm with 4 manufacturing facilities in India and Germany is playing a vital part in `Make in India’ and `Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives of the government and is engaged in the manufacture of systems and options in the sectors of Personal Armour, Platform Armour and Electro-Optics.
It has exported to more than one hundred nations in Europe, Middle East, Africa, ASEAN nations as properly as South America and the Caribbean area.
The Managing Director of MKU Limited Neeraj Gupta interacts with Huma Siddiqui and talks about the company’s portfolio and its concentrate on `Make in India’ and `Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives’. Excerpts:
What are you exporting? And are they `Made in India’?
Items exported consist of Bullet Proof Jackets, Ballistic Helmets, Ballistic Plates, Armour kits for platforms, and Night Vision Devices. We have a worldwide footprint across all geographies.
All items have been `Made in India’ in our factories in Kanpur, which is component of the UPDC (UP Defence Corridor). All the items have been created as per technologies created in residence by MKU engineers and they are in response to the contracts which have been won by way of International Competitive Bidding – considering the fact that our items have been not only expense-competitive but also technically compliant.
Many of these nations are ‘focus countries’ for advertising defence exports by the government of India. In order to increase defence exports, the Government has shortlisted 84 nations which have the possible to improve defence cooperation. With the assistance of business associations like FICCI & SIDM, webinars have been planned in these nations to allow Indian business a platform to interact with these possible nations. In the 1st phase, 35 nations have been identified. At MKU we have currently exported to several of these nations. (These are in the list of nations shortlisted by Ministry of Defence (MoD) to market defence exports.)
Any facts on your current international contracts?
We have won some important international contracts this year, regardless of the slowdown due to COVID-19 which has restricted international travel absolutely. Some of the important contracts bagged this year have been from nations like Singapore, Philippines, Nepal, UAE, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Estonia, Brazil and Chile in addition to several other people. There are numerous other people in the pipeline as well.
In truth, our order pipeline today remains pretty healthful and we are confident of exceeding final year’s export figures for the complete year. This has occurred due to the tremendous concentrate on exports and the persistent efforts of group MKU. In truth, regardless of the lockdown, we are today working on more enquiries than just before!
We have created a important breakthrough in Night Vision Devices and secured contracts for these hugely technical items from nations like Brazil, Philippines and Tunisia competing against important international OEMs. We are pretty confident that going forward this sector will be a important development driver for us.
What about the domestic orders which the firm has received and executed?
We are close to finishing the contract for 1.58 lac Ballistic helmets received from Indian Ministry of Defence. We have received some vital orders this year from but general the input of domestic orders has been rather muted this year. We are hopeful going forward several more contracts will get concluded in the coming year.
More about the new items and new technologies …
We have introduced ILDS Mukut with MACS and Thermal Weapon Sights.
Development work on some niche technologies in Electro-optics is in an sophisticated stage and we count on these to materialize subsequent year. When matured, these will provide a good fillip to `Make in India’ as some of these technologies/ items are presently not accessible in India.
We have also tied up with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and are in discussion with them for Transfer of Technology (TOT) of numerous technologies – to create items to meet not only Indian specifications but also for exports – `Taking India to the World’.
Further, as component of our expansion strategy we are seeking at backward integration and at the improvement of important input supplies (capabilities) presently not accessible in India. This is getting contemplated beneath ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
What about Foreign Collaborations?
As component of our development tactic, we are all for a strategic tie-up with top FOEMs to co-create and manufacture in India. We are currently operating a effective JV with EIS Electronics in India for the manufacture of electrical wiring harnesses for Aerospace and Defence applications and have effectively created and manufactured for numerous Indian programmes in addition to exports.
We have also tied up with Thales to co-create and manufacture Advanced Night Vision Devices at our plant in Kanpur, India. We hope to roll out the 1st device subsequent year.
We are open to other such collaborations which bring synergy and give a increase to not only the Make in India theme but also ‘Made in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
What about possessing an edge in Technology?
Our firm has invested a considerable quantity in R&D – this is at the core of our improvement tactic. We hold the full IPR for the items we manufacture. Besides we are holders of 16 international patents with several more in the pipeline. And, we have constructed the in-residence capability for manufacture and testing of all our items like electro-optical devices.
This provides us an edge in our R&D efforts and in the improvement of customized options.
We also have an in residence style capability which aids us innovate to address buyer troubles. ILDS, INSTAVEST and MACS are some examples of this capability.
What new technologies is the firm working on?
Our firm has invested a lot in R&D and we have indigenously developed and created Night Vision Devices which is primarily based on the most up-to-date Generation 3 technologies. This gives good enhancement in the high-quality and resolution of the devices, even in pretty low light situations.
We have also developed and created a variety of thermal devices primarily based on Uncooled Micro Bolometer technologies. These consist of Thermal Weapon Sights compatible with weapons like Carbines, Insas, AK-47 and other Assault rifles.
Where are these facilities primarily based?
The State of the Art manufacturing facility is primarily based in Kanpur (UP). This is completely equipped with test gear for environmental testing as per JSS 55555 and MIL Std 810 G along with full test facility for EO devices and sensors. The firm also gives repair and service facility for the Night Vision Devices.
What about the Bullet Resistant jackets? And are you complying with Indian Standard: IS17051:2018 for the BPJs?
We not only comply with the Indian requirements but appear at the stringent international requirements also so that we not only meet but exceed buyer expectations. Many of our items are NIJ 06 compliant – the most stringent international protocol for body armour.
Our most up-to-date body armour options for bullet-resistant jackets are focussed on weight reduction and they comply with the most up-to-date business requirements. For survivability, enhanced comfort and mobility, there are added functions and functionalities in the new line of ballistic vests.
.Also, as threats are evolving, the weight has develop into yet another vital requirement in the BPJs, as lightweight armour is no more lightweight. Today, the weight is about 12 kilos and this is a matter of concern. However, the weight is anticipated to improve in view of the evolving threats. At our facility, the concentrate is on maintaining the weight down and defending the soldier! Further, we have introduced style functions and created ILDS which once again aids ‘take the weight off the soldier’s shoulder’ actually!
There is a new line of helmets. What is one of a kind about them?
Patented Boltfree helmets have been created working with RHT technologies and specially developed harness and padding systems. This has helped in decreasing the trauma in ballistic helmets triggered by projectile hits. Another important trouble faced by the soldier was the instability of the helmet which has been solved working with the new Twist Fit technologies this provides the helmet a snug match. And for the comfort of soldiers in various Indian climate situations, unique supplies and coatings have been utilised to fight fungus and mould. All these functions combined make the helmet significantly more comfy to put on even for extended periods.
Alongside we have also created ‘MACS’ (Multi Accessory Connector System) and adapter that enables accessories to be attached to the helmet devoid of generating any mechanical or physical modifications.