What Technologies Did DRDO Transfer to Industrial Firms for Defence Vehicle Production?

Synopsis
On June 8, the <b>DRDO</b> made a significant leap towards enhancing India's defence capabilities by transferring nine crucial technologies to ten industrial firms, marking a pivotal development in the country's defence production landscape. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to fortify the defence industrial ecosystem, involving both public and private sectors.
Key Takeaways
- DRDO transferred nine technologies to ten industrial firms.
- Companies involved include Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Forge Limited.
- Technologies include a CBRN Recce Vehicle and a Mounted Gun System.
- Partnerships with educational institutions like COEP Technological University are being established.
- Focus on enhancing indigenous defence capabilities is paramount.
New Delhi, June 8 (NationPress) Aligning with the government's vision to create a strong defence industrial ecosystem involving both public and private sectors, the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory situated in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar, has made significant progress by transferring technologies related to nine systems to ten industries, as stated by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday.
The licensing agreements were presented in the presence of the Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, during a ceremony held at the VRDE.
The technologies that were transferred include: a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II to the public sector defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited, a Mounted Gun System to the private sector firm Bharat Forge Limited, and an Anti-Terrorist Vehicle - Tracked Version to Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited.
Additional technologies include: a Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A to four companies, including BEML Limited, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Private Limited, and John Galt International; an Expandable Mobile Shelter to Bharat Electronics Limited; a Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle to Tata Advanced Systems Limited; a Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun to BEML Limited; and a Multi-Purpose Decontamination System to Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Private Limited, as highlighted in the official statement.
The VRDE also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with COEP Technological University, Pune, to collaboratively work on advanced technologies and emerging areas.
During the event, Dr. Kamat praised both DRDO and the industry for the remarkable performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor. He also encouraged the industry to strategize for increased production capacity. He commended the VRDE for delivering high-end technological solutions for land systems and weapon platforms.
Prominent scientist and Director General of the Armament and Combat Engineering Cluster, DRDO, Prof (Dr) Prateek Kishore, along with VRDE Director G. Ramamohana Rao and other senior scientists, were also present at the event, joined by industry representatives.