New Delhi: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has signed multiple Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) with Industry Partners for the indigenization of defence technologies. These agreements were signed during the DRDO-Industry-Academia – Global Approach to Readiness of Indigenous Military Applications’ (DIA-GARIMA) event held on December 19, 2024, at IIT Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh. The tripartite agreement exchange involved Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO; Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi; and industry representatives.
Developed by the DRDO Industry Academia-Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, these technologies provide solutions to some of the critical issues faced by soldiers on the field. The government has transferred these technologies to several industries for further development.
The details of the MoUs signed are as follows:
Transfer of Technology of Light Weight Bullet Resistant Jacket (ABHED- Advanced Ballistic High Energy Defeat) to:
MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam), Rohtak
SMPP Pvt Ltd, Delhi
AR Polymers (MKU)- Kanpur
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for Development of Indigenous Ballistic Material with Reliance Industries Ltd.
MoA for limited series production of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing with:
Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance, Delhi
Arnaf Industries Ltd
Arrow Garments, Tirupur
MoA for limited series production of Extreme Heat Protective Clothing with:
Arrow Garments, Tirupur
Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance, Delhi
Katalyst TECHTEX Ltd, Delhi
APAC News Analysis:Â
The initiative carries broader implications for the defence ecosystem, with the potential to reduce dependence on imports and open avenues for global exports. It aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision and highlights India’s capability to innovate using indigenous materials. The manufacturing process of these technologies will also generate employment opportunities and bolster India’s industrial growth in the defence sector.
The collaboration is a prime example of academia, industry, and government research institutions coming together to foster technological advancements. As India continues to invest in indigenous R&D and defence production, projects like ABHED position the country as a rising global player in cutting-edge defence technology, showcasing the transformative impact of academic and industrial collaboration on national security and economic growth.
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