Contract for Infrastructure modernization of defence forces airfields initialled to immensely benefit MSMEs

Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for Modernisation of Air Field Infrastructure (MAFI) of 37 airfields for Indian Air Force(IAF), Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with  Tata Power SED (TPSED) at a cost of nearly Rs 1,200 crore. The project will boost over 250 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises which will directly benefit from being involved in the execution of various activities of this project. This contract would aid in infusing the much-needed capital in the market and boost employment generation in such fields as communications, avionics, information technology, apart from civil and electrical equipment and construction. It is stated by the Defence PRO  in a statement. The proposal has been duly approved by Raksha Mantri  Rajnath Singh. The MAFI Phase-II is a follow-on programme based on MAFI Phase-I that included up-gradation of 30 airfields of IAF. The airfields modernised under MAFI Phase-I have been of immense benefit to both military and civil users. The project is a turnkey project that includes installation and commissioning of modern airfield equipment like Cat-II Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Cat II Air Field Lighting System (AFLS), etc. The modern equipment around the airfield will also be directly connected to Air Traffic Control (ATC), thereby providing excellent control of the airfield systems to the air traffic controllers. The up-gradation of navigational aids and infrastructure under this project would enhance the operational capability by facilitating air operations of military and civil aircraft even in poor visibility and adverse weather condition while enhancing aerospace safety, the Defence PRO said in the statement.