DRDO sanctions 7 new projects involving key military assets for private sector | External Affairs Defence Security News

India’s premier defence research organisation, DRDO, has awarded seven new projects to private entities to develop key military assets, including underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range remotely operated systems.

The projects were approved under the Ministry of Defence’s Technology Development Fund programme, which aims to support domestic defence production.

The underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicle project aims to develop versatile maritime warfare accessories that can be used in multiple combat roles, officials said.

They say the objective is part of broader intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and maritime domain awareness (MDA) activities.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the project has been entrusted to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, Pune.

Other projects include developing an ice detection sensor for aircraft, producing a radar signal processor, and long-range remotely operated vehicles for detecting and neutralizing underwater objects. The ministry said the long-range remotely operated vehicles will be dual-use systems that will enable detection, classification, location, and neutralization of underwater objects while keeping key assets away from the suspected operational area.

The task was entrusted to Kochi-based start-up IROV Technologies Pvt Ltd.

Other projects include development of a radar signal processor with an active antenna array simulator, development of a time data collection and dissemination system based on the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, and a toolkit for simulating indigenous scenarios and sensors.

The toolkit project includes developing an indigenous system for training pilots on simulators in realistic scenarios. This will help in full mission planning and the engagement of large forces, the ministry said.

The project was awarded to Noida-based start-up Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd.

“Giving impetus to Aatmanirbharta, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various requirements of the armed forces and the aerospace and defence sectors,” the ministry said.

“These project sanctions are a testimony to DRDO’s continuous efforts to support industrial sectors, especially SMEs and start-ups, in the defence and aviation space,” the release said.

“The development of domestic technologies will strengthen the military industry ecosystem,” the statement said.

First published: July 11, 2024 | 19:18 IST