On Wednesday, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth visited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Bhawan in New Delhi. His visit focused on learning about DRDO's collaborations with the private sector, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and academic institutions. The discussion highlighted significant areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.
During the visit, DRDO Secretary and Chairman, Dr. Samir V Kamat, provided Seth with an in-depth presentation. This included an overview of recent achievements, ongoing projects, and future plans. The session also covered cutting-edge technologies developed by DRDO that are currently used by the Armed Forces, as well as those under development.
A key aspect of the presentation was the detailed briefing on DRDO's various collaborations. These collaborations span across private industries, MSMEs, and academic institutions, with a strong focus on deep tech areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and unmanned systems. The aim is to drive rapid innovation that enhances national defence capabilities.
Dr. Kamat also elaborated on the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. This initiative is designed to encourage participation from private industries, especially startups and MSMEs. The goal is to foster an ecosystem that enhances technological capabilities and promotes self-reliance in defence.
DRDO's efforts to integrate industry participation from the early stages of system development were also discussed. This includes providing DRDO patents to the industry and supporting academia through various programs like DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence and extramural research grants.
In recent developments, DRDO awarded seven new projects under the TDF scheme to various industries. These projects address different requirements of the Armed Forces and the aerospace and defence sectors. They represent DRDO's commitment to nurturing industries, particularly MSMEs and startups, within the defence and aerospace domains.
One of the notable projects is the Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit, aimed at creating a training simulator for pilots. This toolkit will support full mission planning and large-force engagements. The project has been awarded to the startup Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, based in Noida.
Another significant project is the Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. This versatile marine battlefield accessory will serve multiple combat roles, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime domain awareness. Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd in Pune has been awarded this project.
The development of Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection and Neutralisation is another key initiative. These systems are designed to detect and neutralise underwater objects while keeping key assets safe.
The project has been awarded to IROV Technologies Pvt Ltd in Kochi. Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd in Bengaluru will work on the Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft project. This sensor will help detect icing conditions inflight, crucial for activating aircraft anti-icing mechanisms.
Data Pattern (India) Limited in Chennai has been sanctioned the Radar Signal Processor with an Active Antenna Array Simulator project. This technology will aid in testing and evaluating short-range aerial weapon systems, serving as a foundation for larger radar systems.
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition and Dissemination System project aims to develop a flexible timing system using the Indian satellite constellation. Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd in Bengaluru has been awarded this project.
Lastly, Alohatech Private Limited in Coimbatore has been sanctioned for the development of Graphene-Based Smart and E-textiles. This project will focus on creating conductive yarn and fabric using graphene nanomaterials, leading to advanced e-textiles with practical applications.
These projects and collaborations underscore DRDO's ongoing efforts to strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem through innovation and industry partnerships.
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