DRDO Awards Seven New Projects Under Technology Development Fund to Boost Aatmanirbhar Bharat

New Delhi: In a significant move towards enhancing self-reliance in defense and aerospace, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has sanctioned seven new projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. These projects, aimed at meeting various requirements of the Armed Forces and aerospace sectors, are expected to strengthen India’s military industrial ecosystem. The initiative particularly focuses on nurturing industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, within the defense and aerospace domains.

The details of the sanctioned projects are as follows:

1. Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit: Awarded to Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida, this project involves developing an indigenous toolkit for simulator training of pilots in realistic scenarios. It will facilitate full mission planning and large force engagement.
2. Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, Pune, has been tasked with developing a versatile marine battlefield accessory for multiple combat roles, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
3. Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection & Neutralisation: IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi, will develop dual-use systems that enable detection, classification, localisation, and neutralisation of underwater objects, ensuring key assets remain safe from operational areas.
4. Development of Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft: Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, will work on a sensor to detect in-flight icing conditions caused by super-cooled water droplets, crucial for activating aircraft anti-icing mechanisms.
5. Development of Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator: Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai, will develop a system to deploy multiple target systems for testing and evaluating short-range aerial weapon systems, serving as a building block for larger radar systems.
6. Development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition & Dissemination System: Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, will focus on indigenising the timing acquisition and dissemination system, leveraging the Indian Constellation for accurate time acquisition and developing a flexible timing system.
7. Development of Graphene-Based Smart & E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications: Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore, will develop conductive yarn and fabric-making processes using graphene nanomaterials and conductive inks, resulting in advanced nanocomposite materials-based E-textiles for practical clothing applications.

These projects underline DRDO’s ongoing efforts to promote indigenous development of advanced technologies, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The focus on MSMEs and start-ups is expected to invigorate India’s defense and aerospace sectors, fostering innovation and technological advancement.

V. Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, emphasized the importance of these projects, stating, “The indigenous development of these technologies will significantly enhance our military capabilities and contribute to a robust and self-reliant defense industrial ecosystem.”