To expand defence manufacturing base, DRDO transfers tech on 9 systems

NEW DELHI: DRDO has transferred technologies of nine land systems and weapon platforms, including for mounted artillery guns and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) reconnaissance vehicles, to defence PSUs and private companies for production.In line with the govt's vision to establish a robust defence industrial ecosystem, DRDO laboratory Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) located near Ahmednagar in Maharashtra handed over the licencing agreements to the different companies on Saturday, officials said.DRDO chairman Samir V Kamat, speaking on the occasion, praised the "exceptional performance" of indigenous systems like the Akash air defence missiles during Operation Sindoor. The country's defence industry should also plan for "surge capacity" during such situations, he said.The technologies transferred by VRDE included CBRN recce vehicle (tracked) Mark-II to defence PSU Bharat Electronics (BEL) and the mounted gun system to private sector company Bharat Forge.The others were anti-terrorist vehicles (tracked) to Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Ltd; expandable mobile shelter to BEL; Vajra riot control vehicles to Tata Advanced Systems Ltd; and multi-purpose decontamination systems to Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Private Limited.The other technologies were connected to the Arjun main-battle tanks. The full trailer tank transporter to BEML, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Private Ltd and John Galt International. The technologies for the maintenance vehicle and repair vehicle for the Arjun tanks, in turn, was given to BEML.