 |
| DRDO Advances Defence Manufacturing with Tech Transfer & Certification |
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently facilitated 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) with 22 industries, spanning various domains such as electronics, laser technology, combat vehicles, naval systems, and aeronautics.
These agreements were formalized during a DRDO-industry meet held at the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 in Pune, organized by the Government of Maharashtra. The event serves as a platform to showcase the indigenous capabilities and innovations of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), private companies, DRDO laboratories, and Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) in Maharashtra.
Under these agreements, industries will engage in the manufacture of critical equipment, including Carbon/Carbon Aircraft brakes for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the 100 m Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, 40 mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for UBGL, and the Full Trailer of a 70t Tank Transporter for the MBT Arjun Mk – 1A, as per the Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, agreements also encompass products like the Expendable Mobile Shelter Solar Heated Shelter, NMR-Supercapacitor, Weaponisation of Hand-Held Thermal Imager with LRF (WHHTI), and High Pressure Water Mist Fire Suppression System (HP WMFSS), all aimed at bolstering the defence manufacturing sector and fostering self-reliance in defence production.
In an effort to recognize and promote excellence in defence manufacturing, DRDO has introduced the System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating (SAMAR). SAMAR certificates were conferred upon nine industry partners during the expo. Developed in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI), SAMAR serves as a benchmark for assessing the competence of defence manufacturing enterprises, including MSMEs.
Furthermore, the industry was briefed on various policies and procedures aimed at supporting industries. These include technology transfer, test and evaluation support, technological and scientific assistance, Research and Development (R&D) funding to industry under the Technology Development Fund (TDF), and free use of DRDO patents by industry, along with the SAMAR scheme.
These initiatives reflect DRDO's commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and self-reliance in India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.