Powering Up 'Make in India': DRDO's VRDE Boosts Defence Manufacturing with Key Technology Transfers

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Powering Up 'Make in India': DRDO's VRDE Boosts Defence Manufacturing with Key Technology Transfers

In a significant stride towards a self-reliant defence sector, DRDO's Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) has successfully transferred nine crucial defence technologies to ten private and public sector industries. This move, celebrated at an event on June 7, 2025, aims to bolster indigenous production and strengthen India's defence industrial ecosystem.



Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra – June 8, 2025 – In a major push towards the Government of India's vision of a robust and self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem, the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a premier DRDO laboratory located in Ahilyanagar, has announced a significant step forward. On June 7, 2025, VRDE successfully transferred cutting-edge technologies for nine critical defence systems to ten leading public and private sector industries.

The licensing agreements, a pivotal moment for indigenous defence manufacturing, were formally handed over in the esteemed presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO. This initiative underscores India's unwavering commitment to the 'Make in India' drive in the defence sector, fostering greater self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

A Glimpse at the Transferred Technologies:

The technologies licensed to the industry span a diverse range of crucial defence applications, poised to enhance the capabilities of India's armed forces:

• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II: Transferred to Bharat Electronics Limited, this vital system enhances India's ability to detect and mitigate CBRN threats.

• Mounted Gun System: Awarded to Bharat Forge Limited, this technology will contribute to advanced artillery solutions.

• Anti-Terrorist Vehicle - Tracked Version: Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited will now indigenously produce this crucial vehicle for counter-terrorism operations.

• Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A: This critical logistics solution was transferred to multiple industry partners, including BEML Limited, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Private Limited, and John Galt International, ensuring robust support for India's main battle tanks.

• Expandable Mobile Shelter: Bharat Electronics Limited receives this technology, crucial for providing rapid and deployable infrastructure for defence operations.

• Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle: Tata Advanced Systems Limited will now manufacture this essential vehicle for maintaining law and order.

• Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun and Unit Repair Vehicle for MBT Arjun: Both vital for the upkeep and operational readiness of the MBT Arjun, these technologies were transferred to BEML Limited, strengthening the support ecosystem for armoured vehicles.

• Multi-Purpose Decontamination System: This important system, for which technology was transferred to Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Private Limited, will bolster India's defence against various contaminants.

Fostering Future Innovation through Collaboration

Beyond the technology transfers, VRDE further cemented its commitment to innovation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune. This collaboration aims to jointly explore cutting-edge technologies and emerging areas, ensuring a continuous pipeline of advanced solutions for India's defence needs.

DRDO Chairman Lauds Indigenous Efforts

During the event, Dr. Kamat heartily congratulated DRDO and the industry partners for the "exceptional performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor," a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of domestically developed defence technologies. He also encouraged the industry to strategically plan for "surge capacity," anticipating future demands and ensuring a robust supply chain. Dr. Kamat specifically lauded VRDE's significant contributions in delivering high-end technological solutions for various land systems and weapon platforms.

The event saw the presence of other distinguished personalities, including Prof. (Dr.) Prateek Kishore, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering) Cluster, DRDO, and Shri G. Ramamohana Rao, Director, VRDE, alongside enthusiastic industry representatives. This collaborative spirit between research and industry is truly the bedrock of a self-reliant and powerful India.

(source-pib)