The Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), under the Ministry of Defence, is celebrating its 69th Foundation Day today. This year, the organisation has placed special emphasis on furthering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Highlighting the organisation’s evolving role in the county’s Defence ecosystem, Director General, DGQA, N. Manoharan said, quality remains the bedrock of operational readiness and reliability. Recalling Operation Sindoor, he noted that the significance of DGQA’s role became clear, as product quality and reliability are critical to success.
Mr. Manoharan added that when quality is assured, both performance and mission objectives are achieved seamlessly. Mr. Manoharan emphasised that the Ministry of Defence has declared the year 2025 as the Year of Reforms. He said, in this direction, DGQA has started undertaking many reforms aimed at strengthening quality assurance while ensuring Ease of Doing Business and support to Defence Industries, MSMEs and Startups. The DG highlighted that currently, DGQA directly oversees around 33 labs, alongside proof establishments that conduct trials of artillery and air defence systems. He stressed that these facilities are now fully open to private industry, reflecting a decisive shift toward partnership and handholding.
Mr Manoharan also said that the Directorate of Defence Testing and Evaluation Promotion has been created to assist the industry in carrying out the proof and testing of defence material. He added that a new Quality Assurance Directorate (Regional) has been established, along with this, to provide on-site and prompt QA and registration-related assistance to the industry in five different regions of the country. DGQA is the nodal agency for ensuring the quality of military equipment and stores purchased for the Indian Armed Forces. Operating under the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Defence Production, DGQA performs inspections, testing, and certification for arms, ammunition, and various military equipment to guarantee their reliability, safety, and effectiveness.
