Fighting coronavirus crisis: Defence public sector firms divert production

Even as 26 naval sailors have been identified as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients, the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO), eight Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and 41 factories of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) have begun contributing to the fight against the global pandemic.

During wartime, these defence ministry organisations provide “surge capacity” for stepped up requirements of arms, ammunition and defence equipment. Currently, they have focused on managing the Covid-19 crisis.

Bengaluru-based Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) has begun manufacturing 30,000 ventilators for intensive care units across the country. The order, placed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is