New Delhi: Defence PSU, Troop Comforts Limited (TCL) has received request for proposal (RFP) for a number of its indigenously developed military gear.
According to TCL officials, while several of its products are in the field trial stage under the Eastern Command, the RFPs have been received from the Northern Command of the Indian Army. Among the products being developed by the company are boots and crampons, ice pitons, hammer pitons, sleeping bags and multi-purpose bags, besides clothing items. TCL commenced functioning under its present format in October 2021 after it was carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board.
In the recently concluded East Tech 2023, the Kanpur-headquartered TCL had participated. Nearly 200 manufacturers had put up their stalls displaying cutting-edge technology to top-end gear at the East Tech 2023 defence expo.
Speaking to a news agency, the TCL official said that we are working on indigenously developing specialised gear needed for our personnel posted in difficult terrain, from mountainous regions to extremely cold conditions. We had been importing most of these gear entirely or at least major components of them. Now, we are working on developing the products with our own technology.
Another TCL official, showing a redesigned bag said that we have been producing several items, and we are now improving them further to ensure that our personnel get the best equipment. For example, earlier we had the standard military bags to carry all equipment by any personnel. we have improved on the design in terms of utility as well as looks now. Similar innovation has also been made to sleeping bags to make them more easily foldable and cosier, the official added.
According to Troop Comforts Limited officials, TCL had also participated in the expo under the Northern Command recently and 21 samples were submitted. “RFPs for several of our products have been received. Once our items are back from the field trials and we have incorporated the feedback, we are confident of manufacturing some of the best defence gear globally. It will ensure that we are not dependent on foreign technology for our military needs and also save important foreign exchange,” the TCL officials added.
With four manufacturing units located across the country, TCL besides catering to the requirements of the defence personnel, including those in the Ministry of Home Affairs forces, also supplies to the police of various states. Its range of products includes clothing items, accessories and technologically advanced products to equip personnel serving in environmental conditions from -50 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius – from glaciers to deserts.
