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First Post
3 days ago
- Science
- First Post
Directed Energy Weapons: Why India must take the lead
Directed Energy Weapons offer advantages such as high speed, precision, and the potential for lower cost per shot compared to traditional weapons–the future of weaponry lies in DEWs read more India successfully tested the Mk-II (A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) this April at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool. The 30 kW (kilowatt) laser weapon designed to neutralise drones, UAVs, and other aerial threats puts India in a select group of nations with this capability. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) trial demonstrated the system's ability to disable surveillance sensors and cause structural damage to drones. DEWs are a type of ranged weapon that use concentrated energy, rather than physical projectiles, to damage or disable targets. This energy can be in the form of lasers, microwaves, or particle beams. DEWs offer advantages such as high speed, precision, and the potential for lower cost per shot compared to traditional weapons, but they also pose challenges related to atmospheric conditions and potential long-term health effects. The world's leading defence companies are working towards DEWs. DEW could also use a beam of sound for crowd control and other policing functions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Directed Energy Weapons DEWs emit highly focused electromagnetic energy, which is directed at the target, causing damage by heating, melting, or disrupting electronic systems. The specific type of energy used determines the wavelength and how effectively it can penetrate different materials. High-Energy Lasers (HEL) can be continuous or pulsed, delivering power outputs as low as 1 kW. Their precision allows them to target and melt metal, plastic, and other materials. They can be used to destroy or disable drones, missiles, and other airborne threats, as well as to damage or destroy ground-based targets. Millimetre Wave Weapons (MWW) operate in the 1 to 10-millimetre wavelength range, delivering more than 1 kilowatt of power. They can affect multiple targets simultaneously due to their broader beam. High-Power Microwaves (HPM) generate microwaves with longer wavelengths than lasers or millimetre waves. They're capable of producing around 100 megawatts of power and can disrupt multiple targets within their larger beam area and can disrupt or disable electronic systems, including those in vehicles, aircraft, and communication systems. Particle Beam Weapons (PBW), which are still under development, could potentially be used to damage or destroy targets at much greater ranges. DEW Advantages Advantages of DEWs include action at the speed of light, allowing for near-instantaneous engagement of targets. DEWs are very precise and can be directed with high accuracy, minimising collateral damage. DEWs are highly cost-effective and potentially much less expensive per shot than traditional weapons. DEWs can continue to fire as long as they have a power source, unlike traditional weapons with limited ammunition. DEWs can be used discreetly; radiation does not generate sound and is invisible if outside the visible spectrum. Light is, for practical purposes, unaffected by gravity and wind, giving it an almost perfectly flat trajectory. This makes aim much more precise and extends the range to line-of-sight, limited only by beam diffraction and spread and absorption or scattering by intervening atmospheric contents. Lasers travel at light speed and have a long range, making them suitable for use in space warfare. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD DEWs offer a spectrum of effects from nonlethal to lethal that can be influenced by factors such as exposure time, distance, and target area. Moreover, they can be employed in a graduated manner. Nonlethal responses include temporarily disabling electronic systems or preventing access to specific physical areas or systems, while degradation involves reducing the effectiveness of enemy sensors or electronics. Lethal responses entail destroying or severely damaging targets by focusing energy to melt or incapacitate critical components. Unlike traditional munitions, DEWs can offer benefits such as temporary and reversible effects. They can degrade or disable electronic systems without completely destroying them. DEWs are currently moving from the research and development phase to the practical deployment phase. Many countries are investing in DEW technology, and the market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. DEW Challenges and Limitations Adverse weather (fog, rain, dust) can interfere with laser beams and reduce their effectiveness. DEWs can lose effectiveness over longer distances due to atmospheric absorption and scattering. Opposing forces can develop countermeasures to deflect or disrupt DEWs. DEWs could potentially cause unintended harm to their own personnel or equipment, and their long-term health effects are not fully understood. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taking DEWs from development to operational deployment presents challenges. Operationally, wide-beam DEWs can affect both friendly and enemy assets within the area of impact. They may also struggle against well-shielded targets or in environments where line-of-sight is obstructed. Additionally, international norms and regulations related to DEWs are in their infancy and do not offer a clear framework by which to mitigate the risks of their use. Furthermore, there are open-ended questions over the ability of existing industrial supply chains to produce DEW capabilities at scale. Practical Military Applications DEWs offer practical air and surface defence applications. Specifically, they are best oriented to counter slower-moving and swarm threats such as drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars by disrupting or destroying their electronic components and guidance systems. DEWs are frequently cited as having potential for missile defence, including against ICBMs, but the technological challenges to such applications are currently prohibitive. The US Department of Defence claims that DEWs have the potential to counter slower-moving missile threats such as anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, the basic logic being that DEWs are a lower-cost way to defeat less advanced aerial threats that would allow more expensive interceptors to be saved for the faster and more troublesome ballistic threats that DEWs cannot reliably engage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It's also possible that DEW capabilities could be used against enemy surface boats and autonomous maritime vehicles, as well as adversarial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. DEW will be increasingly used to blind and destroy satellites. Leading Global Players in DEW In the United States, the Pentagon, DARPA, and the service-specific military research laboratories are all researching DEWs to counter ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles. These systems of missile defence have already begun getting operational. China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, India, and Israel are also developing military-grade DEWs, while Iran and Turkey claim to have them in active service. Some of the leading global private players in defence are involved in the DEW market. These include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman, with significant contributions from Boeing, BAE Systems, and others. These companies are actively involved in research, development, and deployment of various DEW technologies, including lasers and high-power microwaves, for defence applications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lockheed Martin is particularly interested in laser weapon systems for defence against various threats. Raytheon Technologies (now RTX) is known for its High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS), deployed in multiple countries. Northrop Grumman focuses on solid-state laser technology and has developed a 500-kilowatt laser system. The Boeing Company develops compact and mobile DEW systems, like the Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS). BAE Systems is a major defence contractor with expertise in various DEW technologies. L3Harris Technologies is a key supplier of components for DEW systems. Leonardo S.p.A, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security, has expertise in high-energy laser technologies. Other significant players include Germany's Rheinmetall AG, involved in the development of DEWs. French multinational Thales Group has a presence in the DEW market. Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd is a significant player. Major Indian Companies DRDO, India's primary defence research organisation, is actively developing DEWs. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are major players in India's DEW market. Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC) is an Indian research centre focusing on laser technology for defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These companies are actively involved in research, development, and deployment of various DEW technologies, including lasers and high-power microwaves, for defence applications. The market is seeing increased investment and collaboration between these companies to develop advanced DEW systems for various applications, including countering drones, missiles, and other threats. Simultaneously, the private sector is also developing laser and high-power microwave-based air defence and counter-drone systems by companies like Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Adani Defence, Tonbo Imaging, Big Bang Boom Solutions, and Paras Defence. DRDO's DEW Programme The Mk-II (A) 'Shahastra Shakti' is a vehicle-mounted laser DEW system. At the heart of the Mk-II (A) is a 30-kilowatt high-energy laser. During trials, it demonstrated the ability to engage lightweight helicopters and long-endurance UAVs at distances of up to 3.5 kilometres. It showcased its entire spectrum of capability by engaging fixed-wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack, and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae. It is evolving into the most potent counter-drone system and is designed for flexible deployment from ground vehicles or naval vessels and can be transported by air, sea, or road. DRDO intends to operationally field the Mk-II (A) by 2027. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prototype of the Mk-II (A) DEW system has been under a prolonged development of DRDO at the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, along with Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), and Defence Laboratory (DL) Jodhpur, in harnessing the high power of laser. The critical subsystems along with components are designed and developed indigenously by CHESS, other DRDO laboratories, academic institutions, and more than 15 Indian industries. The cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. All three Indian armed forces are already using the earlier version of DEW Mk-I as part of their air-defence capabilities. The new system is capable of engaging aerial targets at greater range and, therefore, a significant step in Atmanirbharta. This landmark achievement will also act as the cornerstone for all the future development of high-power DEWs. Its success puts India in the exclusive and limited club of the global powers who possess the high-power laser DEW. Strategic Defence Initiative In the 1980s, US President Ronald Reagan proposed the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) programme, which was nicknamed Star Wars. It suggested that lasers, perhaps space-based X-ray lasers, could destroy ICBMs in flight. Several DEWs were examined by the SDI Organisation for potential use in missile defence. In July 1989, the accelerator was launched from White Sands Missile Range as part of the Beam Experiment Aboard Rocket (BEAR) project, reaching an altitude of 200 kilometres and operating successfully in space before being recovered intact after re-entry. No known weapon system utilising this technology has been deployed. Israel's Iron Beam Israel is developing many DEWs, including the Iron Beam laser system, as part of its multi-tiered missile defence strategy. These systems are designed to complement existing missile defence technologies like the Iron Dome. It is being jointly developed by the Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) and the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA). The Iron Beam, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, is a 100 kW-class High-Energy Laser Weapon System. It is designed to intercept and neutralise various threats, including rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM), cruise missiles, and drones. It has reportedly been operational since October 2024. Few Other DEW Systems Active Denial System (ADS) is a millimetre wave source that heats the water in a human target's skin and thus causes incapacitating pain. Vigilant Eagle is a ground-based airport defence system that directs high-frequency microwaves towards any projectile that is fired at an aircraft. Raytheon had announced in 2005 that field tests had been highly effective in defeating MANPADS missiles. The system is not operationally deployed. Bofors HPM Blackout is a high-powered microwave weapon that is said to be able to destroy at a short distance a wide variety of electronic equipment and is purportedly non-lethal. The effective radiated power (ERP) of the EL/M-2080 Green Pine radar makes it a hypothetical candidate for conversion into a DEW by focusing pulses of radar energy on target missiles. The Pischal-Pro anti-drone rifle was featured at the Dubai Airshow, 2019. It is a battery-powered electromagnetic pulse weapon held to an operator's shoulder, pointed at a flying target in a way similar to a rifle, and operated. The device emits separate electromagnetic pulses to suppress navigation and transmission channels used to operate an aerial drone, terminating the drone's contact with its operator and sending it out of control. The Russian Stupor is reported to have a range of two kilometres, covering a 20-degree sector; it also suppresses the drone's cameras. It has reportedly been used in Syria. The Ukrainian army has reportedly used the Ukrainian KVS G-6, with a 3.5 km range and able to operate continuously for 30 minutes. It can disrupt remote control, the transmission of video at 2.4 and 5 GHz, and GPS and Glonass satellite navigation signals. A UK-developed system unveiled in May 2024 uses radio waves to fry the electronic components of its targets, rendering them inoperable. It is capable of engaging multiple targets, including drone swarms, and reportedly costs less than 10 pence (13 cents) per shot. Epirus Inc, a defence technology start-up based in Torrance, California, unveiled on March 25 the Leonidas system, a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon designed to neutralise unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms. Chinese researchers have claimed to develop a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon that is capable of producing electromagnetic pulses with an intensity similar to that of a nuclear explosion. The US Army tested a high-power microwave weapon as part of the US-Philippines Balikatan 2025 joint military drills. This is the first time the weapon has been employed in the Indo-Pacific region and coincides with rapidly rising tensions with China. During the Iraq War, electromagnetic weapons, including high-power microwaves, were used by the US military to disrupt and destroy Iraqi electronic systems. The first officially known use of DEWs in combat between military forces was claimed to have occurred in Libya in August 2019 by Turkey, which claimed to use the ALKA directed-energy weapon. To Summarise Mastering the DEW technologies has long been the holy grail of air defence systems. While there have been global efforts to replace traditional kinetic weapons and missile air defence systems, the recent proliferation of much cheaper Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats have driven the demand for DEWs with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. This has been witnessed during the recent conflicts like the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict or Houthi attacks on US naval fleets, where relatively weaker state and non-state players are accruing disproportionate gains against their stronger adversaries. Once detected by a radar followed by tracking through an electro-optic (EO) system, DEWs can engage targets at the speed of light and neutralise the target. This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battle space by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage. DRDO is also working on higher-powered laser systems, including a 300 kW 'Surya' DEW with a 20-kilometre range. The Kilo Ampere Linear Injector 'KALI', is being co-developed with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. KALI will generate high-intensity electron pulses, which can be translated into electromagnetic radiation in the form of X-ray or microwave frequencies. It will act like a high-power microwave gun, designed to destroy incoming aircraft and missiles with a 'soft-kill' system that disables their sensitive electronic systems. India's private sector is getting big into DEW. The future is in DEW. DEWs are being designed to be flown on aircraft or housed on military satellites. Action is expanding. The DEW market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 16.16 per cent and 19.6 per cent. Specifically, one report projects the market to grow from $1.77 billion in 2023 to $6.96 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 16.16 per cent. India must remain at 'full throttle' to become a major player. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
India.com
20-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Not just Akash, S-400, or Barak-8, India also has THIS laser defense shield that can destroy missiles within..., it can track...
DRDO DEW System: During 'Operation Sindoor', the world witnessed the efficiency of air defense systems like 'Akash' and S-400. India's defense technology isn't limited to just rockets and missiles. The country also possesses Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), a laser defense shield. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently announced the successful trial of a Mk-II(A) Laser– Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system 'mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles.' This is the kind of technology seen in the Star Wars movie series — capable of turning enemy drones, helicopters, and even missiles into ashes mid-air. 'Indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae,' the statement said. 'The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered at the target within few seconds made it the most potent counter drone system.' Here are some of the key details: In April 2025, DRDO successfully tested a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system. This technology promises to play a decisive role in future warfare. While systems like Akash, S-400, and Barak-8 are already serving as defense shields, the laser shield makes India virtually invincible. This laser defense system can track and destroy any aerial threat within a range of 5 kilometers. It is equipped with 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors that can detect and neutralize targets approaching from any direction. It can be deployed not only on land but also on warships, and it can be easily transported and stationed via air, rail, road, or sea routes. This laser system can destroy drones, helicopters, and missiles within a 5 km range in seconds. During testing, it successfully shot down fixed-wing aircraft and swarm drones mid-air. It also has the capability to jam enemy communications and satellite signals. It doesn't use any explosives or missiles — it operates solely with laser light, making it a 'massless' weapon. Star War Capabilities: DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat described it as the first step towards a 'Star Wars capability'. He said, 'So far, only the US, Russia, and China have demonstrated such technology. Israel is also working in this direction. We are the fourth or fifth country to have demonstrated this capability.' This means India has now joined the elite club of nations that possess advanced Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW) systems. The trial was carried at the National Open Air Range, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The system was developed by DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad along with other labs, academic institutions and Indian industries.
Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
HAL, BEL, Mazagon Dock among Antique's top defence picks as Rs 16 trillion order pipeline boosts outlook
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Bharat Electronics Live Events Mazagon Dock PTC Industries Sector Tailwinds: Orders, capex and indigenisation (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Riding on the back of India's massive Rs 16 trillion domestic defence procurement pipeline and an accelerated push for indigenisation, Hindustan Aeronautics HAL ), Bharat Electronics (BEL), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders have emerged as top stock picks in Antique Stock Broking's latest sector brokerage sees these state-run giants as best positioned to capitalise on the strong order inflows and expanding manufacturing capacities amid India's intensified focus on defence self-reliance and remained bullish on HAL, highlighting its dominant position in the defence aerospace segment and a strong revenue outlook linked to modernisation plans by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The brokerage pointed to the opportunity for over 300 new aircraft orders over the next 10–15 years, including Tejas Mk-1A, Mk-II, and the fifth-generation AMCA execution capacity, which had been constrained by delays in engine supply from GE, is expected to improve significantly. 'GE has delivered the first engine to HAL in the first quarter of FY26 and is expected to deliver 12 more in FY26,' the brokerage said, adding that 'consistent supply from GE can lead to IAF placing an incremental order for 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircrafts.'Antique values HAL at 40x FY27 estimated EPS, with a target price of Rs 6,545, up from its current market price of Rs 5, Electronics Ltd (BEL), a long-time leader in defence electronics, is another preferred play. 'BEL is in a sweet spot given the sharp increase in spending on missile systems like QRSAM and MRSAM where BEL will act as a system integrator,' Antique said.A Rs 300 billion QRSAM order is expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of FY26, with an additional Rs 270 billion in orders also expected, potentially taking total inflows beyond Rs 570 billion in FY26 alone. To support this, BEL is planning an annual capex of Rs 7–8 billion over the next 3–4 brokerage maintained a 'buy' with a price target of Rs 422, valuing BEL at 45x FY27 estimated Dock Shipbuilders has been highlighted as a key beneficiary of India's naval expansion, given its unmatched capability in building both submarines and large surface warships. A fresh order for three Scorpene-class submarines is expected shortly, which 'can potentially more than double the company's order book,' according to also sees strong prospects in the P75I (Rs 700 billion) and P17B (Rs 700 billion) frigate programs. The brokerage has maintained a 'buy' on the stock, at a target price of Rs 3,858, citing the order book could grow to Rs 1.5 trillion by FY27—14 times its FY25 revenue. PTC Industries rounds off the top picks, with Antique praising the company's progress on its Strategic Material Technology Complex in Lucknow. Through subsidiary Aerolloys Technologies, PTC is developing one of the world's largest single-site titanium recycling and remelting estimated a 10–20x revenue growth over the next five to six years. 'Given the high growth visibility and significant value addition with a potential of +50% EBITDA margin, PTC Industries is well poised to post a profit of Rs 9.4 billion in FY28 and Rs 17.3 billion in FY30 from a base of Rs 0.4 billion in FY24,' the brokerage underscored a structural opportunity unfolding in India's defence manufacturing ecosystem. With 75% of FY24–25's capital budget earmarked for domestic procurement, India has committed to 'Atmanirbharata' (self-reliance) not only as an import substitution measure but also as a strategic Defence Acquisition Council has approved procurements worth Rs 8.5 trillion over FY23–25, nearly equal to approvals during the entire decade from FY12 to FY21. HAL, BEL, and Mazagon Dock are expected to be major beneficiaries of large finalisations in FY26, including orders for Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, Scorpene submarines, QRSAM missile systems, and advanced light strong revenue and earnings visibility, sector-wide capacity expansion, and increasing private sector involvement, Antique believes the Indian defence and aerospace sector is at an inflexion point.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HAL, BEL, Mazagon Dock among Antique's top defence picks as Rs 16 trillion order pipeline boosts outlook
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Bharat Electronics Live Events Mazagon Dock PTC Industries Sector Tailwinds: Orders, capex and indigenisation (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Riding on the back of India's massive Rs 16 trillion domestic defence procurement pipeline and an accelerated push for indigenisation, Hindustan Aeronautics HAL ), Bharat Electronics (BEL), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders have emerged as top stock picks in Antique Stock Broking's latest sector brokerage sees these state-run giants as best positioned to capitalise on the strong order inflows and expanding manufacturing capacities amid India's intensified focus on defence self-reliance and remained bullish on HAL, highlighting its dominant position in the defence aerospace segment and a strong revenue outlook linked to modernisation plans by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The brokerage pointed to the opportunity for over 300 new aircraft orders over the next 10–15 years, including Tejas Mk-1A, Mk-II, and the fifth-generation AMCA execution capacity, which had been constrained by delays in engine supply from GE, is expected to improve significantly. 'GE has delivered the first engine to HAL in the first quarter of FY26 and is expected to deliver 12 more in FY26,' the brokerage said, adding that 'consistent supply from GE can lead to IAF placing an incremental order for 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircrafts.'Antique values HAL at 40x FY27 estimated EPS, with a target price of Rs 6,545, up from its current market price of Rs 5, Electronics Ltd (BEL), a long-time leader in defence electronics, is another preferred play. 'BEL is in a sweet spot given the sharp increase in spending on missile systems like QRSAM and MRSAM where BEL will act as a system integrator,' Antique said.A Rs 300 billion QRSAM order is expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of FY26, with an additional Rs 270 billion in orders also expected, potentially taking total inflows beyond Rs 570 billion in FY26 alone. To support this, BEL is planning an annual capex of Rs 7–8 billion over the next 3–4 brokerage maintained a 'buy' with a price target of Rs 422, valuing BEL at 45x FY27 estimated Dock Shipbuilders has been highlighted as a key beneficiary of India's naval expansion, given its unmatched capability in building both submarines and large surface warships. A fresh order for three Scorpene-class submarines is expected shortly, which 'can potentially more than double the company's order book,' according to also sees strong prospects in the P75I (Rs 700 billion) and P17B (Rs 700 billion) frigate programs. The brokerage has maintained a 'buy' on the stock, at a target price of Rs 3,858, citing the order book could grow to Rs 1.5 trillion by FY27—14 times its FY25 revenue. PTC Industries rounds off the top picks, with Antique praising the company's progress on its Strategic Material Technology Complex in Lucknow. Through subsidiary Aerolloys Technologies, PTC is developing one of the world's largest single-site titanium recycling and remelting estimated a 10–20x revenue growth over the next five to six years. 'Given the high growth visibility and significant value addition with a potential of +50% EBITDA margin, PTC Industries is well poised to post a profit of Rs 9.4 billion in FY28 and Rs 17.3 billion in FY30 from a base of Rs 0.4 billion in FY24,' the brokerage underscored a structural opportunity unfolding in India's defence manufacturing ecosystem. With 75% of FY24–25's capital budget earmarked for domestic procurement, India has committed to 'Atmanirbharata' (self-reliance) not only as an import substitution measure but also as a strategic Defence Acquisition Council has approved procurements worth Rs 8.5 trillion over FY23–25, nearly equal to approvals during the entire decade from FY12 to FY21. HAL, BEL, and Mazagon Dock are expected to be major beneficiaries of large finalisations in FY26, including orders for Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, Scorpene submarines, QRSAM missile systems, and advanced light strong revenue and earnings visibility, sector-wide capacity expansion, and increasing private sector involvement, Antique believes the Indian defence and aerospace sector is at an inflexion point.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Hans India
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
DRDO transfers 9 technologies to industrial firms for production of defence vehicles
In line with the government's vision to establish a robust defence industrial ecosystem with the participation of both public and private sectors, the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory located in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar, has taken a major step forward by transferring technologies of nine systems to 10 industries, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday. The licensing agreements were handed over in the presence of Secretary, Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, Dr Samir V. Kamat, during an event organised at the VRDE. The technologies transferred to the industry include: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II to public sector defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited, a Mounted Gun System to the private sector company Bharat Forge Limited, and an Anti-Terrorist Vehicle - Tracked Version to Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited. The others in the list are: Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A to four companies, including BEML Limited, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Private Limited and John Galt International; an Expandable Mobile Shelter to Bharat Electronics Limited; Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle to Tata Advanced Systems Limited; Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun to BEML Limited; and a Multi-Purpose Decontamination System to Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Private Limited are the other technologies on the list that have been transferred, according to the official statement. The VRDE also signed an MoU with COEP Technological University, Pune, to jointly work on cutting-edge technologies and emerging areas. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kamat complimented DRDO and the industry for the exceptional performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor. He also suggested that the industry plan for surge capacity. He appreciated the efforts of the VRDE in providing high-end technological solutions for land systems and weapon platforms. Distinguished scientist and Director General, Armament and Combat Engineering Cluster, DRDO, Prof (Dr) Prateek Kishore, VRDE Director, G. Ramamohana Rao and other senior scientists were also present on the occasion, along with industry representatives
