Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) : News and Updates

Projected Amount, Budget Estimates (BE), Revised Estimates (RE) and actual allocations in respect of DRDO for the last five years along with the Projections and Budget Estimate allocation for the year 2018-2019 are given in the following table:

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Some of the projects for which funds may be sought are: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Airborne Warning &Control System (India) (AWACS (I)), Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV Ghatak), Next Gen Main Battle Tank (NGMBT), High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV), Marinised Engineered AIP Energy Module (MAAREEM) etc.

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PM to dedicate DRDO’s 5 new labs run by young guns

Bengaluru: Almost five years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to involve youth in defence research related activities in a ‘big way,’ there seems to be finally some action on the front.

Military sources confirmed to Onmanorama on Monday that Modi will formally inaugurate five new laboratories remotely from Bengaluru tomorrow (January 2), which will be under the command of youngsters under the age of 35 years. Called as the DRDO Young Scientists Labs (DYSLs), these new establishments will be spread across five cities in India.

The new initiative will take off from Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO arm that primarily looks into unmanned aerial systems, situated at New Thippsandhara, a hub of aerospace activities.

Key Areas

DRDO is said to have built the template of these new five labs based on the same lines as what the PM desired in 2014.

“The objective of these labs will be to empower young and outstanding scientific minds to develop national capabilities in key technology areas in defence,” an official said.

While DRDO officially refused to share any details of the event, sources say that the new labs have been set up keeping in mind future technologies that could be addressed by young and innovative minds.

Among the new 5 labs are: Artificial Intelligence (Bengaluru); Quantum Technologies (IIT Mumbai); Cognitive Technologies (IIT Chennai); Asymmetric Technologies (Kolkata) and Smart Materials (Hyderabad).

“These labs have been created to encourage innovation through empowerment of young leadership of DRDO,” says an official.

All scientists including the Directors selected for DYSLs are said to be below 35 years of age. The Directors have been selected by a committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India.

When asked about the powers young Directors will exercise, the official said they will hold the same financial and administrative rights as compared to Directors of other DRDO labs.“Apex committees chaired by eminent academicians have been formed to guide the DYSLs on technical aspects,” the official added.

Speech effect

It was on August 24, 2014, while giving away the DRDO awards in Delhi, the PM suggested that at least five labs should be identified exclusively for innovation from young scientists up to the age of 35 years.

With the DRDO being in the firing line for project delays, failures and cost overruns often, the PM wanted to speedup up defence programmes.

“The PM wanted DRDO to keep pace with the world, where technology has become the key driver of defence products. He had then asked DRDO to visualize, anticipate, and eventually set the agenda for the global defence community, which was a tough ask,” says a Ministry of Defence official.

Sources say the PM’s idea found some impetus in 2018 and the DRDO was finally ready in 2019 March to launch the new labs.

“The general elections came in between and launch was delayed,” says an official.

The first official word on the five labs came out in October 2019 when Principal Secretary to Prime Minister P K Mishra gave a glimpse of DRDO’s plans.

To a query if the new system would create any hierarchy rift within DRDO, the official claimed that it has been running smoothly so far.
 
PM to dedicate DRDO’s 5 new labs run by young guns

Bengaluru: Almost five years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to involve youth in defence research related activities in a ‘big way,’ there seems to be finally some action on the front.

Military sources confirmed to Onmanorama on Monday that Modi will formally inaugurate five new laboratories remotely from Bengaluru tomorrow (January 2), which will be under the command of youngsters under the age of 35 years. Called as the DRDO Young Scientists Labs (DYSLs), these new establishments will be spread across five cities in India.

The new initiative will take off from Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO arm that primarily looks into unmanned aerial systems, situated at New Thippsandhara, a hub of aerospace activities.

Key Areas

DRDO is said to have built the template of these new five labs based on the same lines as what the PM desired in 2014.

“The objective of these labs will be to empower young and outstanding scientific minds to develop national capabilities in key technology areas in defence,” an official said.

While DRDO officially refused to share any details of the event, sources say that the new labs have been set up keeping in mind future technologies that could be addressed by young and innovative minds.

Among the new 5 labs are: Artificial Intelligence (Bengaluru); Quantum Technologies (IIT Mumbai); Cognitive Technologies (IIT Chennai); Asymmetric Technologies (Kolkata) and Smart Materials (Hyderabad).

“These labs have been created to encourage innovation through empowerment of young leadership of DRDO,” says an official.

All scientists including the Directors selected for DYSLs are said to be below 35 years of age. The Directors have been selected by a committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India.

When asked about the powers young Directors will exercise, the official said they will hold the same financial and administrative rights as compared to Directors of other DRDO labs.“Apex committees chaired by eminent academicians have been formed to guide the DYSLs on technical aspects,” the official added.

Speech effect

It was on August 24, 2014, while giving away the DRDO awards in Delhi, the PM suggested that at least five labs should be identified exclusively for innovation from young scientists up to the age of 35 years.

With the DRDO being in the firing line for project delays, failures and cost overruns often, the PM wanted to speedup up defence programmes.

“The PM wanted DRDO to keep pace with the world, where technology has become the key driver of defence products. He had then asked DRDO to visualize, anticipate, and eventually set the agenda for the global defence community, which was a tough ask,” says a Ministry of Defence official.

Sources say the PM’s idea found some impetus in 2018 and the DRDO was finally ready in 2019 March to launch the new labs.

“The general elections came in between and launch was delayed,” says an official.

The first official word on the five labs came out in October 2019 when Principal Secretary to Prime Minister P K Mishra gave a glimpse of DRDO’s plans.

To a query if the new system would create any hierarchy rift within DRDO, the official claimed that it has been running smoothly so far.

Laboratories for gen-next ! How Futuristic Technologies will get boost at new DRDO labs

By: Huma Siddiqui | January 2, 2020 7:28:57 PM

These new laboratories located Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad will give a boost to India’s strategic defence capabilities.

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An official statement from DRDO stated “Edge in technology continues to define the directions of operational, tactical and strategic warfare paradigms.” (Representative image)

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is setting up five laboratories across the country and each will specialise in the core area of futuristic technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, cognitive technologies, asymmetric technologies and smart materials.

These laboratories are known as `Young Scientists Laboratories’ and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon be dedicating these to the nation at Bengaluru.

An official statement from DRDO stated “Edge in technology continues to define the directions of operational, tactical and strategic warfare paradigms.”

These new laboratories located Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad will give a boost to India’s strategic defence capabilities. “The futuristic areas of asymmetric technologies, which are expected to change the way wars are fought will be based out of the campus of Jadavpur University in Kolkata. And the research in hot and critical area of smart materials and their applications will be based out of Hyderabad,” said DRDO

Bengaluru will be the base for carrying out research in the area of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence and the all-important area of quantum technology will be based out of IIT Mumbai. DRDO has identified IIT Chennai which will house the laboratory for studying cognitive technologies.


“From making India self-reliant to future-ready in defence technologies, for DRDO the new laboratories which will work on the advanced and future technologies will be a big leap forward. Advanced technologies which are critical to the development of futuristic defence systems will be the focus areas of these new laboratories.”

Also, for these laboratories, the directors have been selected independently by a committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor to Central government and have been empowered with financial and administrative authorities which is at par with any director of a DRDO laboratory.

In the new decade innovations and rapid development of future game-changing technologies need to be encouraged and supported with financial investments and intellectual capital.

“The importance of speed of assessment, rapid prototyping, the pace of evaluation and focused development are critical for DRDO to remain relevant in the field of cutting edge technology.”

Laboratories for gen-next! How Futuristic Technologies will get boost at new DRDO labs
 
Another innovation is the ‘Exoskeleton’—a wearable orthotic device that enhances endurance and strength. A useful device for soldiers carrying payloads of up to 30kgs, it is battery-powered and can help soldiers walk and climb in tough terrains without getting tired, as the device prevents pressure from being exerted on the limbs. “This prototype will take three years to provide the needed efficiency and functionality. The project is being monitored by the PMO,” says Shastry.

Read full article : Make in India: DRDO’s foray into hearing implants, exoskeletons and prosthetics
 
Indian Navy to soon get first batch of indigenously-built torpedo Varunastra

By Ahamad Fuwad & KM Mishra
Updated: Jan 9, 2020, 08:16 PM IST


Varunastra, weighing around 1.5 tonnes, carries about 250 kg of high explosives.
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File Photo: Officials at a ceremony to hand over Varunastra to Indian Navy, Jun 29, 2016 , Twitter/indiannavy

Indian Navy will soon get the first batch of indigenously-built heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo Varunastra, giving it crucial firepower to the naval forces.

The first batch will be delivered to the Navy soon and will be fitted onto Sindhughosh class submarines and other navy ships. This will make India one of the eight countries to have such indigenously-designed and built system.

Varunastra is capable to destroy any target, including ships and submarines, up to the range of 40 kilometres in waters.

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Pic : Varunastra torpedo's first test.

The torpedo was successfully inducted in the navy in July 2018, following which an order of 63 such systems for Rs 1187 crore was placed.

Features :

Varunastra, weighing around 1.5 tonnes, carries about 250 kg of high explosives. It carries the explosives at a speed of around 40 nautical miles an hour (74 km/hour).

The first batch of torpedoes will include those that can be fitted onto submarines and combat ships.

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Pic : Torpedo on a rig.

It has been designed and developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a premier laboratory of DRDO.

The system has not been developed not only for use by the Indian Navy but will also be exported to other countries.

A torpedo is the best and most accurate ammunition to target enemy ship or submarine. The transducer of Varunastra gives it capability for a wide angle of manoeuvres, making it capable of targeting submarines from both top and bottom. The GPS locator on the device helps it accurately target the enemy vessel.

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Pic : An Indian Navy Destroyer fires Varunastra torpedo.

It will be carried by Kolkata class, Rajput class and Delhi class destroyers. It will also be fitted on to Kamorta class corvettes and Talwar class frigates. Indian Navy's biggest fleet of Sindhughosh Class submarines will also carry Varunastra. The fleet currently has 9 operating vessels.


Indian Navy currently has 9 Sindhughosh Class submarines, two Kalvari Class submarines, one Chakra Class submarine (on lease from Russia) and four Shishumar Class submarines.

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Pic : Varunastra's warhead under testing.

Indian Navy's fleet of 16 submarines s much smaller that of China which operates 70 submarines. In that case, having the capability to indigenously develop torpedoes gives it a much-needed firepower.

Indian Navy to soon get first batch of indigenously-built torpedo Varunastra
 
  • Informative
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How the indigenous Varunastra torpedo with other torpedoes from all over the world.
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Black Shark torpedo has a max range of 50km with a speed of 50 knots.
F-21 torpedo has a range of over 50km with speed varying between 25 and 50 knots.
 
INTERVIEW | Youngsters can power India into a defence technology leader: Dr Satheesh Reddy

Anantha Krishnan M February 16, 2020 06:05 AM IST


Lucknow: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been under increased spotlight and scrutiny in the last few years, with the current government demanding an increased pace of self reliance. DRDO Chairman Dr Gundra Satheesh Reddy, who took charge of DRDO in August 2018, reveals DRDO's new line of thought and focus areas. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with Onmanorama on the sidelines of Defence Expo.

DefExpo 2020

We had around 40 labs displaying more than 500 systems at DefExpo2020 making it the largest ever participation by a single organisation in any expo held in India. Our focus was to showcase our capabilities and matured systems along with the industries. We are committed to the vision of the government which has given defence export mandate of $5 billion in the next five years. We have taken several steps to reduce the import content in defence manufacturing by looking at various means to boost the indigenous contribution.

At DefExpo, we have handed over 15 transfer of technology (ToT) licenses to 17 industries in the areas of electronics, laser technology, sensors, combat vehicles, armaments, life sciences, aeronautics, materials science and naval systems. We are focused on enhancing self-reliance and operational capabilities of our Services. As a result, there will be new collaborations in R&D for futuristic systems so that India becomes a net exporter in the next five to 10 years.

AI, Space, Cyber

DRDO has taken great strides in the areas of space, cyber, artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies. With space and cyber being the fourth and fifth dimensions of warfare, DRDO has taken big steps in these directions. Work on AI has been taken up specifically by two labs.

In the coming years, I believe every weapon and equipment will be driven by AI. We need to put lot of young talent to meet the challenges. A road map on AI will be in place.

There is a dearth of young talent in DRDO. It is one thing we need to work on. We are seriously looking at a mechanism how young talent can be taken in large numbers. I feel youngsters can contribute a lot on cyber technology. We have already started work on this area.

On the space front, we have already demonstrated ASAT capabilities. We are not going to weaponise space, but we also want to ensure that our space is secure.

Road Ahead

Our road map for next five years is very clear. We are working on LCA MK-2, AMCA and Naval LCA. We are strong in the areas of missiles, radars, torpedoes, electronic warfare systems and sonars. In these areas we want to have complete self-reliance.

Meanwhile, we are looking at the areas of concern and are taking the help of academic institutions. We want to bring industries to the level of build-to-specification, so that we can offload production to them and concentrate on design and development of large systems. The synergy between DRDO, academia and industry is the key.

Young Scientists

We have recently created five DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. These labs are working on advanced technology areas such as AI, quantum technologies, cognitive technologies, asymmetric technologies and smart materials.

All scientists working here are below 35 years including the Director, who has the same powers as any other DRDO lab director. We are keen to have a vibrant environment in these labs.

In the next one year, they will be able to come up with substantial state-of-the-art technologies of value to defence applications.

Missile Matters

In the last one year we saw multiple success on the missile front. Various trials of Astra, quick reaction surface to air missile (QRSAM ), Nag and Pinaka were successfully completed.

This year the user trials of HELINA missile and man portable anti tank guided missile (MPATGM) will be completed. Development trials of new generation anti radiation missile (NGARM ) will be taken up this year. We are also working on Astra Mk-2 long range air-to-air missile. There are several other missiles that are in the pipeline.

On the weapons front, we have developed the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) in collaboration with Tatas and Bharat Forge. This year the system will undergo user trials. We are also developing the Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC) and smart anti-airfield weapon (SAAW) bomb.

I am confident that SAAW will complete its trials this year and enter into production. There are many other weapons also being developed simultaneously.

Delays & Deadlocks

We are addressing this issue where ever we are encountering delays. We are getting into the depth of the matter to trace the cause of delays.

But, I must tell you that multiple changes are happening in DRDO and speed is the new mantra. We have become very aggressive with our time frames. Development trials of QRSAM, guided Pinaka missile and SAAW also have been completed. These are all completed as per exacting global standards and tight schedules.

We have laid down an aggressive schedule for LCA Mk-II (MWF: Medium Weight Fighter) and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). I am sure of developing these systems in a record time.

Everyone is motivated in DRDO today, especially the youngsters. Youngsters are coming with many new ideas in the area of defence technologies. Many youngsters are doing wonders in these areas, even outside DRDO. My advice to youngsters is that whether you work with DRDO or any private industry in India, work to develop globally best in class systems. Let’s prove that India is not only good at Internet and communications technology (ICT) areas alone, but in the field of defence technology as well.

(The writer is an independent aerospace and defence journalist, who blogs at Tarmak007 and tweets @writetake.)

INTERVIEW | Youngsters can power India into a defence technology leader: Dr Satheesh Reddy
 
DRDO system destroys drone in trials, being deployed for Trump's security

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New Delhi [India], Feb 21 (ANI): At a time when drones are being used by Pakistan-based terror groups against India, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an indigenous anti-drone system which has successfully destroyed UAVs during trials. The system is also being deployed for security of the US President Donald Trump during his forthcoming visit to India.

Almost all security agencies including the Air Force, Army, paramilitary forces and those involved in VVIP security are looking at acquiring anti-drone systems after the terror groups and others started using them. Over the recent past there have been instances of smuggling of small arms and narcotics using drones which can carry 3-4 kilograms of weight and can fly at very low heights.

"The DRDO system successfully neutralised an incoming drone during trials using its kill system. The counter drone system has capabilities to both detect and destroy drones in air," government sources told ANI.

The DRDO counter drone system was first deployed to provide security cover to the Republic Day Parade this year which was attended by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other dignitaries.

The system is being deployed in Ahmedabad for the Modi-Trump roadshow where they would be tasked to thwart any aerial threat from drones, the Gujarat Police had stated on Thursday.

A number of instances of drones being used for smuggling weapons have been taking place along the riverine borders with Pakistan in Punjab and Jammu where small drones fly at very low height and drop supplies, sources said.

Border Security Force troops have also shot down some of the drones coming from Pakistan. (ANI)

DRDO system destroys drone in trials, being deployed for Trump's security