Latest news with #SamirV.Kamat
Hans India
11 hours ago
- 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
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
India's Secret Arsenal Unveiled: DRDO Chief Lifts The Veil On India's New Military Might
New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat opened the lid on how India is rewriting the rules of modern warfare. He declared that in addition to catching up with global powers in defence technology, India is also preparing to leapfrog them. The recent Operation Sindoor, a blistering military response to the deadly April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, witnessed Indian forces wielding homegrown weaponry designed and developed by the DRDO, systems that, according to him, destroyed and dominated the enemy. During the blistering military offensive, the Akash missile system, the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) and the cutting-edge anti-drone D4 system were deployed in sync – delivering what the DRDO chief called a 'tremendous' performance. He pointed out that the systems were developed over years, with Akash starting back in 2004-05, later upgraded in partnership with Israel to become MRSAM. But it was the seamless integration of these three, the Akash, the MRSAM and the D4, that transformed India's battlefield response. 'They performed superbly and thwarted every enemy attack,' he said with pride. And it was not only the missiles. India's radar capabilities have also leapt forward. Dr. Kamat emphasised how DRDO has mastered the art of designing multifunctional radars that now cater to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force in a unified network. 'Earlier, every radar operated independently. Now, we have integrated them for real-time data sharing. That changes everything,' he said. But what is coming next could redefine warfare in the region and maybe the world. He revealed that DRDO's arsenal still holds several arrows that are yet to be unleashed. Within the next 2-3 years, India plans to induct several indigenously developed defence platforms – including the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), the Pralay and Rudram missile systems, advanced light torpedoes and next-generation landmines. Then comes the crown jewel, the BrahMos. Work is already underway to enhance its range – with plans to integrate the BrahMos Next Generation (NG) missile into multiple aircraft, not just the Sukhoi. 'Its precision and power make it one of the most exceptional missiles in the world,' he said. And it does not stop there. The Astra-2 and Astra-3 air-to-air missiles are in the pipeline, while Rudram is evolving as a force multiplier. In a statement that hints at ambitions rivaling Israel's famed Iron Dome, he also confirmed that India is developing its own layered defence system. With Akash, QRSAM, S-400 and work on the 'Kusha' missile – India's answer to the S-500 – already in motion, it is clear that New Delhi has a firm eye on the sky. 'The plan is to have multiple units of these across the nation,' he added. What about the next-gen air force? The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, cleared last year, is already in motion. The prototype will be ready by 2029, test flights will follow and full induction into the Indian Air Force is slated to begin around 2035. 'It could be done with HAL or even with private players,' he said, hinting at a new era of public-private synergy in India's defence landscape. On the lighter side of firepower, India is accelerating development of the LCA Mk1A, although delays in GE engine supply have slowed deliveries. Nonetheless, the Air Force will receive all 83 ordered jets within the next three years. Mk2s are on the horizon too, with the DRDO eyeing 2033 for their rollout. Trials for a new indigenous light tank will begin in mid-2025 and production will follow by 2027. Dr. Kamat did not hold back when speaking about drones either. 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming gamechangers,' he said and confirmed that the DRDO is working on base tech and integration. With swarm drones becoming a future threat, India is also pushing forward its anti-drone arsenal with urgency. Finally, reflecting on the strategic shift in India's defence ecosystem, he credited the incumbent government for championing the cause of self-reliance. 'Earlier, the DRDO was a platform for just research and development (R&D). Now, with the ecosystem in place, we are marching toward becoming a global defence technology leader,' he said. With indigenous marvels like the Pinaka, the BrahMos and the Akash leading the charge, it is hard to argue otherwise. If there was ever any doubt that India was ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's defence giants, Dr. Kamat left no room for it.
The Print
04-05-2025
- Science
- The Print
DRDO eyes persistent high-altitude surveillance edge as Stratospheric Airship soars in maiden trial
'The flight lasted around 62 minutes, during which data was collected by onboard sensors,' the defence ministry said in a statement. It added that the airship was safely recovered after testing critical systems, including envelope pressure control and emergency deflation mechanisms. Developed by the Agra-based Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the unmanned airship ascended to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometres, carrying an instrumented payload. New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Saturday conducted the maiden flight trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform from the Sheopur test facility in Madhya Pradesh. A stratospheric airship functions as a high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS), designed to operate between 17 and 22 kilometres above the Earth for extended periods. It uses helium for lift and is typically powered by solar energy, with onboard batteries enabling night-time operation. Unlike satellites or aircraft, such platforms can loiter over a fixed area for days or even weeks, offering persistent surveillance and communications support. Their capacity to carry imaging sensors, radar systems or telecommunications payloads makes them valuable for border monitoring, disaster response and wide-area intelligence missions. They also fill a critical gap between drones and satellites, delivering the reach of space-based systems while offering faster deployment, lower costs and greater operational flexibility. DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat hailed the flight as a significant achievement, describing it as a step towards developing long-endurance, lighter-than-air systems capable of operating in the stratosphere. 'This system will enhance India's earth observation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, positioning the country among the few globally with such indigenous capabilities,' said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources indicated that only a small number of countries have succeeded in developing similar high-altitude platforms, given the considerable technological and operational challenges involved. (Edited by Radifah Kabir) Also Read: India to get HawkEye 360 tech from the US. Here's how it spots 'dark vessels'
Hans India
04-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
DRDO Successfully Tests Maiden Flight Of Stratospheric Airship Platform
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone on May 3 with the successful completion of the first flight trial of its indigenous Stratospheric Airship Platform. The test was conducted at the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh, with the development led by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) based in Agra. During the 62-minute test flight, the lighter-than-air airship carried an instrumental payload and reached an impressive altitude of approximately 17 kilometers. Engineers successfully tested critical in-flight systems, including envelope pressure control and emergency deflation mechanisms, while collecting valuable data from onboard sensors. This data will be instrumental in developing high-fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship missions. Following the flight, the system was recovered for further examination and analysis, marking an important step forward in India's aerospace capabilities. "This lighter than air system will enhance India's earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities," DRDO announced in a statement shared on social media platform X. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team on this achievement, highlighting how the system positions India among a select group of nations with indigenous stratospheric platform technology. The successful test represents a significant advancement for India's defense and surveillance capabilities. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, described the prototype flight as a milestone in developing lighter-than-air, high-altitude platforms capable of sustaining long endurance operations at stratospheric heights.
