The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) convened a pivotal DRDO-Industry Meet on February 25, 2024, as part of the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 in Pune.
Aimed at fostering collaboration and synergy with the industry, the meet served as a platform to apprise and update industries, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, about various industry-friendly initiatives and policies of DRDO, while also addressing industry concerns.
At the meet, DRDO marked a significant milestone by handing over 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries, in the presence of Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, along with other dignitaries.
These technology transfers encompass a wide array of domains including electronics, laser technology, armaments, life sciences, materials science, combat vehicles, naval systems, and aeronautics.
Notable technologies include Manufacturing of Carbon/Carbon Aircraft brakes for LCA Tejas, 100 m Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, 40 mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for UBGL, and more. These products, based on DRDO technologies, are poised to bolster the defence manufacturing sector and reinforce self-reliance in defence.
Moreover, DRDO conferred SAMAR (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating) assessment certificates to nine Industry Partners. SAMAR serves as a benchmark to gauge the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises, with a brief overview provided during the function.
Addressing industry partners, Dr. Kamat reiterated DRDO’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive technology support for the development of Indian defence industries, in alignment with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat set forth by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Dr. Kamat emphasized that the recent successes of DRDO products have not only enhanced the nation’s self-reliance in defence technology but also created abundant opportunities for industries in the defence manufacturing sector. He stressed the invaluable partnership of industries, urging Indian industries to leverage the latest initiatives and policies of the Government to establish the country as a hub of defence manufacturing.
An Open House session during the meet facilitated industry stakeholders to voice their challenges, expectations, and support requirements, paving the way for refining frameworks to enhance ease of doing business and industry facilitation.
Furthermore, industry participants were briefed about the latest policies and procedures through which DRDO supports industries. These include Transfer of Technologies, Test & Evaluation support, Technological and scientific support, R&D funding to industry under TDF, Free use of DRDO patents by industry, and the SAMAR scheme.
The DRDO-Industry Meet served as a pivotal step towards strengthening the collaboration between DRDO and the industry, fostering innovation, and advancing India’s capabilities in defence manufacturing, ultimately contributing to the nation’s self-reliance and security.
