‘Make in India’ Momentum: DRDO Displays Defence Innovations, Inks Deal with COEP Pune

GG News Bureau
Ahmednagar, 9th June: In a notable display of indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) presented several advanced land-based systems, with key contributions from Indian industry partners.

Among the systems showcased were the Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle, developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and critical support vehicles for the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, including the Unit Maintenance Vehicle and Unit Repair Vehicle, developed by BEML Limited. Additionally, a Multi-Purpose Decontamination System, designed to counter CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) threats, was presented by Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Private Limited.

In a move to enhance collaboration in emerging defence technologies, the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune. This partnership aims to jointly explore cutting-edge technological innovations and drive research in future-ready defence systems.

Addressing the event, Dr. Kamat praised DRDO and the Indian defence industry for their commendable performance during Operation Sindoor, which he noted as a testament to the growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He urged industry stakeholders to prepare for surge capacities in production to meet future operational demands.

Distinguished Scientist and Director General of DRDO’s Armament and Combat Engineering Cluster, Prof. (Dr) Prateek Kishore, Director of VRDE Shri G. Ramamohana Rao, along with senior scientists and industry leaders, were present during the occasion, marking another step forward in India’s defence innovation and industry-academia synergy.