DRDO Transfers Key Weapon, Vehicle Technologies to PSUs and Private Players

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred technologies related to nine advanced land systems and weapon platforms to various public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private companies for production.

This initiative, aligned with the government’s vision of building a self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem, was led by DRDO’s Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.

The technology transfer was formalised on 7 June through licensing agreements handed over to participating firms.

DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat, present at the event, highlighted the robust performance of indigenous platforms like the Akash surface-to-air missile system during recent operations such as Operation Sindoor.

Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of creating a “surge capacity” within India’s defence industry to respond swiftly in times of conflict.

Among the transferred technologies, the CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) reconnaissance vehicle (tracked) Mark-II has been licensed to defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), while Bharat Forge received the mounted gun system technology.

Anti-terrorist vehicles have been transferred to Metaltech Motor Bodies Pvt. Ltd, and BEL has also taken up the production of expandable mobile shelters.

Further, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. will produce riot control Vajra vehicles, and Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Pvt. Ltd. have been handed multi-purpose decontamination systems.

Technologies linked to the Arjun main battle tank were also part of the transfer, including trailer tank transporters licensed to BEML, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Pvt. Ltd and John Galt International.

Additionally, maintenance and repair vehicle technologies for the Arjun tanks were transferred to BEML.

Also Read –

• India’s Retaliatory Strike with Made in India Defence Tech Marks New Era in Warfare: PM Modi