To strengthen collaboration and synergy with the industry, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted a DRDO-Industry Meet on February 25, 2024, as part of the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 in Pune. The primary objective of this meeting was to inform and update industries, particularly MSMEs and startups, about DRDO’s various industry-friendly initiatives and policies, addressing industry concerns in the process.
At the event, DRDO handed over 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries in the presence of Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V Kamat, along with other dignitaries. The technologies transferred spanned across electronics, laser technology, armaments, life sciences, materials science, combat vehicles, naval systems, and aeronautics. Notable examples include the Manufacturing of Carbon/Carbon Aircraft brakes for LCA Tejas, 100 m Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, 40 mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for UBGL, and more. These technologies are expected to significantly contribute to the defense manufacturing sector and enhance self-reliance in defense capabilities.
Additionally, DRDO presented SAMAR (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating) assessment certificates to nine Industry Partners. SAMAR serves as a benchmark to evaluate the competency of defense manufacturing enterprises. Dr. Kamat emphasized DRDO’s commitment to providing technological support for the development of Indian defense industries, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He highlighted the success of recent DRDO products, making the country more self-reliant in defense technology and creating ample opportunities for the defense manufacturing sector.
An Open house session during the meet allowed industries to express their challenges, expectations, and required support, providing a platform to refine the framework for ease of doing business and facilitate industry operations. The industry was briefed on the latest policies and procedures through which DRDO supports industries, including Transfer of Technologies, Test & Evaluation support, Technological and scientific support, R&D funding under TDF, Free use of DRDO patents, and the SAMAR scheme.
