DRDO signs Technology transfer Agreements

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries in domains including electronics, laser technology, combat vehicles, naval systems and aeronautics.

Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo

The licences were handed over during a DRDO-industry meet organised at the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024, Pune. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat and other officials were present at the meeting.
The expo, organised by the Government of Maharashtra, showcases the indigenous capabilities and innovations of the MSMEs, private companies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, and Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) setups in Maharashtra.

Equipment covered

The agreements are for the manufacture of Carbon/ Carbon Aircraft brakes for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the 100 m Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, 40 mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for UBGL, and the Full Trailer of a 70t Tank Transporter for the MBT Arjun Mk – 1A, as per the Ministry of Defence.

They also cover the Expendable Mobile Shelter Solar Heated Shelter, NMR-Supercapacitor, Weaponisation of Hand-Held Thermal Imager with LRF (WHHTI) and High Pressure Water Mist Fire Suppression System (HP WMFSS).

The products based on these DRDO technologies will boost the defence manufacturing sector and self-reliance in defence.

SAMAR Assessment

The DRDO also handed over SAMAR (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating) assessment certificates to nine industry partners.

SAMAR is a benchmark to measure the competence of defence manufacturing enterprises, including MSMEs. The DRDO, in collaboration with Quality Council of India (QCI), has developed the ‘System for Advanced Manufacturing Assessment and Ranking (SAMAR)’ certification.

Latest DRDO schemes

The industry was also briefed about the latest policies and procedures through which DRDO is supporting industries. Some of the policies discussed include transfer of technology, test and evaluation support, technological and scientific support, R&D funding to industry under TDF, and free use of DRDO patents by industry and the SAMAR scheme.

Category: Defence Current Affairs