New Delhi: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken significant strides towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities by approving seven new projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, according to media reports.
This move aims to foster innovation and technological advancement, particularly among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, crucial contributors to India’s defence and aerospace sectors, as reported by Financial Express.
The TDF scheme plays a pivotal role in DRDO’s mission to achieve self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in defence technology.
By entrusting these projects to private industries, DRDO not only drives the development of advanced technologies but also strengthens India’s military-industrial ecosystem.
The involvement of MSMEs and start-ups underscores the emphasis on nurturing domestic talent and resources, ensuring the defence sector benefits from the agility and innovation of smaller enterprises.
The approved projects include:
- Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit awarded to Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida. This toolkit enhances pilot simulator training with realistic scenarios for mission planning and large force engagements.
- Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle awarded to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, Pune. This UAV is designed for underwater deployment, enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
- Long-Range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection & Neutralisation awarded to IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi. These dual-use ROVs detect and neutralize underwater threats, bolstering security and operational efficiency.
- Development of Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft awarded to Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru. This sensor technology improves flight safety by detecting in-flight icing conditions and triggering anti-icing mechanisms.
- Development of Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator awarded to Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai. This system enables testing of short-range aerial weapon systems, pivotal for radar technology advancements.
- Development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition & Dissemination System awarded to Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru. This project localizes timing systems using IRNSS, enhancing satellite technology adoption.
- Development of Graphene-Based Smart & E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications awarded to Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore. This initiative integrates graphene nanomaterials into wearable technology for defence applications.
These projects highlight DRDO’s commitment to advancing indigenous capabilities in defence technology through collaborative efforts with private enterprises. Each initiative aims to address critical gaps in India’s defence infrastructure, paving the way for enhanced operational readiness and technological innovation.
