DRDO, IIT-Delhi and Industry Sign 10 Key Agreements

December 21, 2024

The DIA-CoE event “DIA-GARIMA” took place at IIT Delhi on December 19, 2024, which focuses on enhancing indigenous military applications through collaboration among defence organisations, academic institutions, and industry partners. The event witnessed the signing of ten agreements aimed at boosting defence technology.

Key Agreements Signed

During the event, notable agreements included the transfer of technology for lightweight bullet-resistant jackets (ABHED) to companies such as MIDHANI, SMPP Pvt Ltd, and AR Polymers. Additional agreements were established for the development of indigenous ballistic materials with Reliance Industries. Partnerships also emerged for producing extreme weather clothing with Aeronav, Arrow Garments, and Katalyst TECHTEX.

DRDO’s Policy for Collaboration

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has implemented a policy to integrate academia and industry into defence research. This initiative aims to enhance advanced defence technologies while supporting the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which promotes self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The Role of DIA-CoEs

DIA-CoEs focus on encouraging innovation by uniting experts from academia, DRDO labs, and industry. The Joint Advanced Technology Centre at IIT Delhi, transformed into a DIA-CoE, has initiated 50 projects over the past seven years. These projects, funded with ₹375 crore from DRDO, target advancements in lightweight armour, smart jackets, and protective gear.

The DIA-CoE at IIT Delhi engages nearly 100 faculty members and 200 research scholars. Their work centres on defence technology projects aimed at enhancing India’s self-reliance in military applications. DRDO has also introduced guidelines to fortify collaborations with industry partners.

Recognition of Achievements

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited an exhibition to showcase products developed through these partnerships. He commended the collective efforts of scientists, professors, researchers, and industry partners, denoting their contributions to defence research and development.

GKToday Notes:
DIA-CoE: The Defence Research and Development Organisation Centre of Excellence encourages collaboration between academia and industry. It aims to enhance indigenous military technologies and promote self-reliance in defence.
ABHED: ABHED stands for lightweight bullet-resistant jackets developed for military use. This technology was transferred to various companies, enhancing soldier safety and promoting indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Aatmanirbhar Bharat is an initiative promoting self-reliance in India. It encourages domestic production across sectors, including defence, to reduce dependency on foreign technology and enhance national security.
Joint Advanced Technology Centre: Established in 2017, this centre was converted into a DIA-CoE. It has initiated 50 projects in defence technology, focusing on innovations for soldiers and civilian applications.

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