Field Trial

A field trial is the definitive operational evaluation phase in DAP 2020 capital acquisition where technically shortlisted defence equipment is tested in realistic military environments, including extreme terrain, temperature, and operational stress conditions, to verify full SQR compliance before commercial negotiations begin.

What is a Field Trial in Defence Procurement?

Field trials are more extensive and operationally realistic than NCNC trials. They are conducted at service-specific trial establishments:

• Army: Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre, Artillery School, Signal School, MCTE (Military College of Telecommunication Engineering), trials at operational ranges in different terrain types (desert, high altitude, tropical)
• Navy: Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), INS Circars, sea trials for naval equipment
• Air Force: Air Force Test Pilot School, designated test ranges

Field trials for major systems may include:

• Mobility and platform integration: Equipment installed on operational platforms, tested in field conditions
• Extreme environment testing: High altitude (Leh at 3,500m+), extreme cold (-20°C), desert heat (50°C+), high humidity (coastal)
• Reliability trials: Extended use over a defined period to assess MTBF claims
• Operator acceptance: User troops (not just engineers) operate and provide usability feedback
• Interoperability testing: Integration with existing inventory systems

Field trials are conducted by a combined team, a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) and a User Evaluation Team (UET), so that both technical compliance and operational usability are assessed. Findings feed into the Staff Evaluation report.

Why field trials matter for Indian government suppliers

Field trials are the highest-stakes evaluation event in any defence procurement programme. Products that survive field trials in India's diverse and extreme terrain are proven in some of the world's most demanding conditions. Vendors must ensure their equipment is not just compliant on paper but genuinely reliable under operational stress. Pre-trial reliability runs, operator training, and establishment of a local technical support presence near the trial location are investments that distinguish serious vendors from those who underestimate the field trial's rigour.

Example

A vendor shortlisted for surveillance radar supply takes its equipment through field trials at a high-altitude Army post in Ladakh. The trial schedule covers 45 days with temperatures ranging from -15°C to -5°C, dusty terrain operation, and integration with existing command systems. The radar achieves the required detection range, operates through a simulated sand storm, and maintains MTBF above the 800-hour Essential parameter. The Staff Evaluation records full ES and 7/9 DS compliance, leading to technical qualification and commercial negotiations for a contract worth INR 1,850 crore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who bears the cost of field trials?

Field trials are typically conducted at the government's expense for equipment brought in under the RFP stage. The vendor provides the equipment and technical support personnel; the government provides the trial facility, range, fuel (for vehicle trials), and the evaluation team. This contrasts with NCNC trials where the vendor bears all costs.

How long do field trials last?

Duration depends on the equipment category. Electronic systems may be field-trialled over 30-60 days. Vehicles and platforms are trialled over 90-180 days to gather sufficient reliability data. Some complex system integrations can extend trials to 12 months.

What happens if a vendor's equipment fails a field trial?

Equipment failing any Essential parameter is disqualified. If all vendors fail, the SQR may be reviewed and revised, and the trial process may be repeated with revised parameters. A single qualified vendor after field trials may still proceed to contract under single-vendor negotiation rather than competitive bidding.

Can a vendor modify equipment between NCNC and field trials?

Minor configuration adjustments to resolve NCNC deficiencies may be permitted with prior approval of the TEC. Major design changes that affect ES parameter compliance require formal re-evaluation. The exact permissible modifications are specified in the trial methodology document issued with the RFP.