Star attractions from DRDO

State-of-the-art military systems and technologies by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are on display at Defexpo. The star attractions are a “missile interceptor simulator” and a “3D virtual reality theatre”. In this edition of Defexpo, DRDO has given special focus to autonomous vehicles.

The outdoor exhibits include Muntra, the unmanned tracked ground vehicle, remotely operated vehicle Daksh, unmanned aerial vehicles Nishant, Rustom and Netra, light weight sensor integrated composite bridge, the longrange solid state electronically scanned active phased array radar LSTAR, Disha EW system, Scorpio Jammer, heavy weight torpedo Varunastra, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, Prahar tactical range ballistic missile system, and Arjun main battle tank. The indoor exhibits and models cover nearly the entire gamut of R&D in DRDO. Prominent will be models of missiles Nag, Akash, BrahMos, aerostat system, AEW&C system, BMP survival kit (BUSK), Sarvatra and other bridges. Different types of parachutes, the family of small arms, torpedoes; and decoys, military communication equipment; electronic warfare systems, night vision devices: microwave devices; NBC protective systems; soldier support systems will also be seen.

Defexpo will also provide a platform for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to identify areas for collaboration and to initiate dialogue with DRDO in areas of mutual interest for joint development as partners in promoting peace and economic growth.

DRDO has amply demonstrated the capability to design, develop and realise highly complex multidisciplinary weapon platforms for Army, Navy and Air force. These systems are among the most extensively evaluated systems in harsh environmental conditions, meeting stringent quality requirements of our services. The production value of products inducted/under induction is more than 1,40,000 crore, effectively translating to creation of about two million jobs in the country. The figures will see a sharp rise in near future once the systems in advanced stages of user acceptance are inducted. Further, DRDO has enabled a number of small and medium industries from the private sector in the design, development, manufacture of defence related products apart from DPSUs and ordnance factories. No doubt, the indigenous production of these systems at a fraction of the cost of imported systems is significant contribution to nation’s economy, besides ensuring freedom from possible blockades in the times of need.