DRDO steps up handholding of industries in defence
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, October 21: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over 16 licensing agreements for transfer of technology (LAToT) for 10 technologies to 13 industries during the ‘Bandhan’ ceremony of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The mega event in Gandhinagar has seen an overwhelming global interest in India’s bid to scale up defence manufacturing while the Russian invasion of Ukraine has unleashed a global arms race.
The technologies transferred by DRDO are from the area of electronics, laser technology, armaments, material science, combat vehicles, naval systems and sensors. The products include Handheld Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Unexploded Ordnance Handling Robot (UXOR), Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) Processing Technology for Aluminum Alloys.
Also, the premier defence research organization, which has already been grooming a number of private companies, signs pacts for transfer of technologies in the areas of High Oxidative and Thermal Stability Oil (DMS Hots Oil-I), Nuclear Shielding Pads for Combat Vehicles, 120mm Tandem Warhead System for Anti-Tank Application, High Energy Material (TNSTAD), Laser-Based End Game Fuze, Multi-kW Laser Beam Directing Optical Channel (BDOC), SHAKTI EW System.
“These high-technology products will provide impetus to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ drive of the Government and boost the defence manufacturing sector through self-reliance, besides enhancing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces,” said the Ministry of Defence in an official statement.
It may be noted that the DRDO for years has been working with the public and the private companies for the manufacturing of the goods designed by its scientists. “The 12th and largest-ever defence exhibition – DefExpo 2022 – has marked the emergence of India’s defence industry as a sunrise sector for investment on the global scale in line with the theme of the expo – ‘Path to Pride’,” added the Ministry.
The mega event saw participation of over 1,340 exhibitors, businesses, investors, start-ups, MSMEs, Armed Forces and delegates from several countries, with engagements spread over four venues. “The overwhelming response of investors and businesses showed that the objective of a defence sector worth $22 billion, with exports of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025, will be achieved. The best minds of defence sector came together at over 20 seminars across three business days to brainstorm over wide ranging topics on Defence Research and Development, new technologies for air warfare, Indigenisation of Defence production, promotion of exports and encouraging investments,” added the Ministry.
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