DRDO Transfers Key Defence Technologies to Boost Indigenous Production
- DRDO’s VRDE transferred nine land system technologies to defence PSUs and private firms to enhance indigenous manufacturing.
- Key tech transfers include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles to BEL and mounted gun systems to Bharat Forge.
- Technologies for Arjun tank support vehicles were licensed to BEML, Tata International, and other industry partners.
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred the production technologies of nine advanced land systems and weapon platforms to defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private companies.
The transfer was facilitated by DRDO’s Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), located near Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. During a formal event on Saturday, licencing agreements were handed over to various industry players, aligning with the government’s push to build a robust and self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat highlighted the stellar performance of indigenous systems like the Akash air defence missile during Operation Sindoor and emphasized the need for the industry to prepare for surge capacity during critical defence operations.
Among the technologies transferred were the CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mark-II to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and a mounted gun system to Bharat Forge. Other key transfers included anti-terrorist vehicles to Metaltech Motor Bodies, Vajra riot control vehicles to Tata Advanced Systems, and multi-purpose decontamination systems to Dass Hitachi and Goma Engineering.
Additionally, technologies related to the Arjun main battle tank such as full trailer tank transporters, maintenance, and repair vehicles were transferred to BEML, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto, and John Galt International.
