Mahiyar Rohinton Patel, Pune
The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) decided to sign 23 agreements for licenced production of its components with the private sector under the Transfer of Technology protocol of the DRDO.This agreement will see many important advances transferred to the defence industry for manufacturing and further development.
The agreements were done various different domains and verticals, such as armaments, naval systems and aeronautics. One of the most important agreements signed was a new braking system for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas 1A. Tejas is going to be the primary fighter of the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to operate as many as 220 of them in the near future as the MiG 21,27,23 are phased out. The MiG 30MKI which is currently the primary fighter of the IAF will be phased out by 2035 and replaced by the indigenous Tejas. This transfer of technology of the braking system will help in creating an effective ecosystem of vendors who can manufacture key components for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited which is the primary manufacturer.
Dr. Sameer V. Kama, the chairman of the DRDO says that the government and the DRDO are fully committed to providing full technological support in developing Indian defence industries and achieving full self-reliance in defence.
Other key technologies transferred are; a 100-meter floating infantry foot bridge, a 40mm high explosive anti-personnel grenade, and a high-pressure water mist fire suppression system. All of these various technologies will help create a vibrant ecosystem of defence manufacturing in the countries. Until a few years ago there was a predominance of PSU’s and Ordinance Factory Boards in defence manufacturing, but now there has been more and more participation by the private sector. In 2019-20 private players accounted for 23% of India’s defence production. In the financial year of 2024-25, the private sector is slated to get as much as 60,000 crores in defence contracts.
The DRDO’s primary purpose is to design and develop technologies, and components for the defence services and push for greater self-reliance in defence technologies and research. Its major achievements over the years include ‘Agni’ the inter-continental ballistic missile, ‘Arjuna’ the main battle tank of the Army’s Armoured Corps, and the INSAS assault rifle. Today, the DRDO has a budget of over 23,000 crores.