Explore R&D to improve Army inventory: ITTA seminar

The 3rd Defence ITTA joint seminar-cum-exhibition was inaugurated by Smriti Irani, Minister of Textiles, on May 22 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi. The two-day seminar on May 22-23, 2017 included various topics related to innovations in protective clothing and uniforms along with medical, building, geo-textiles, tentage and load carrying fabrics.

General Bipin Rawat, the Army Chief and senior officials from the Defence Services, Ministry of Defence, and technical textile industry were present at the function.

Irani talked about the need to explore the advanced R&D facilities for improving the existing inventory of the army. She assured assistance from the  Ministry, while reiterated the need for the industry to explore various business models and joint ventures. She  further talked about the distinction between supplying and serving and how the industry should strive to serve our defence forces. She also told that the National Technical Cooperation (NTC) will set up high tech fibre manufacturing facility, which are currently being imported, and also develop specialised product range for the armed forces.