India's R&D in Defence DRDO, PSUs and Private Sector

vishnu.nv · Post by **vishnu.nv** » 30 Sep 2009 23:19

L & T is being rewarded for their Role played in the Arihant project. Is both their shipyards equipped for sub building?

More Navy projects should go for the private yards. Now the gov shipyards will feel the heat.

nrshah · Post by **nrshah** » 30 Sep 2009 23:40

Vipul wrote:L&T will bid to build navy's second submarine line.

Does L & T have design or it just wants to manufacture those subs under license as MDL is doing in case of scorpenes...

If it has design and everything nothing like it, they should just award L & T

-Nitin

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 01 Oct 2009 00:48

Even if they do not have the designs, giving the contract to L&T would make sense as Mazgaon Docks has its hands full and even otherwise the PSU shipyards are unlikely to stick to delivery schedules.

aditp · Post by **aditp** » 01 Oct 2009 07:31

A little it more experience (by way of building the second line of SSKs) and L&T may well come up with the first indigenous diesel SSK design in the future. Anyways, that is not expected from the series bungling MDL types. Who knows, L&T might already be working on a diesel SSK based on its SSBN experience on its own.

sumeet_s · Post by **sumeet_s** » 02 Oct 2009 01:36

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news ... rl/523668/

Blast in High Energy Material Research Laboratory...

Later, HEMRL issued a press note saying, “HEMRL scientists were processing experimental propellant composition in a mixer in the laboratory premises. During the mixing process an explosion occurred today at around 3.45 am. The mixing process is remotely controlled and located in a standalone building outside the traverse. All safety norms were followed and nobody was in the mixer room. The building is heavily protected with soil filled traverse and designed in such a way that the roof is weak. In the explosion the roof of the building was blown off. However, there is no casualty, no one is injured and there is no damage to the facility.” Standing Safety Board of HEMRL is conducting an enquiry, it was stated.

The lab is just 5km away from my house..

Not able to figure out in which thread to post...mods please help if this is the wrong one...

aditp · Post by **aditp** » 05 Oct 2009 09:37

Strategic national producer Midhani on high growth curve

animesharma · Post by **animesharma** » 05 Oct 2009 10:02

Quote from above article

Midhani works in close partnership with the Defence Materials Research Laboratory (DMRL), located next door. DMRL, focusing on fundamental research, develops new alloys and materials; Midhani scales up DMRL’s laboratory production into industrial production.

A nice example of commercialization of research. Other production houses should follow the similar example of midhani and DMRL.

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 06 Oct 2009 21:37

Defence engine
http://www.frontline.in/stories/20091023262110600.htm

Jamal K. Malik · Post by **Jamal K. Malik** » 07 Oct 2009 21:53

Defence R&D Requires Substantial Government Funding : E&Y – ASSOCHAM

Kailash · Post by **Kailash** » 08 Oct 2009 10:51

Antony stresses on timely completion of projects

Kailash · Post by **Kailash** » 08 Oct 2009 17:36

Frontline's latest edition contains some DRDO specials

Defence engine

Material innovation

Bang on target

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 09 Oct 2009 20:04

GRSE modernisation will allow construction of larger warships.

Kolkota-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a defence public sector unit PSU, has initiated an Rs530 crore modernisation programme in its Main Unit, which will allow it to construct larger warships. The modernisation programme is expected to be complete by July 2011.

With newly installed infrastructure facilities the shipyard will be able to undertake construction of large ships, such as LPDs and frigates, with modular construction that will allow deliveries in a shorter time frame.

Post- modernisation, the GRSE will have a large dry dock as well as a large inclined berth - both 180 meters long. These will be supported by a modern integrated paint cell, modular hall, allied workshops and a 250 ton goliath crane.

GRSE's Raja Bagan Dockyard at Kolkata, which the company acquired from the CIWTC in July 2006, is also undergoing rapid modernisation. The Raja Bagan Dockyard is currently engaged in the construction of Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts. GRSE will move to construct more sophisticated smaller vessels.

Meanwhile, for the third year in succession, GRSE has paid a dividend of Rs24.77 crore (20 % of the share capital) to the Union Government for the financial year 2008-09. The amount was handed over to the defence minister, AK Antony in New Delhi by Rear Admiral KC Sekhar (retd), chairman and managing director, GRSE.

The company expects to achieve a value of production of Rs850 crore in financial year 2009-10 as against Rs673 crore achieved in financial year 2008-09.

GRSE is currently building 10 Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (four have already been delivered) and 4 anti-submarine warfare corvettes for the Indian Navy.

It is also building about 80 Fast Interceptor Boats for the Ministry of Home Affairs. Construction of eight Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) for use by the Indian Coast Guard will commence soon.

GRSE also manufactures Portable Steel Bridges, Marine Pumps, Ship Borne Equipment and Marine Engines. GRSE has obtained patent for invention of double lane portable steel bridges.

The Company has also developed a Common Helicopter Traversing System (HTS), to provide viable flexibility to the navy in operating different types of helicopters from warships, and is in talks with international players for obtaining technology for Rail-less HTS.

Mahendra · Post by **Mahendra** » 15 Oct 2009 15:21

Got this in my inbox from Mullah Nayakuddin.

Latest Scans, courtesy vayu.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 15 Oct 2009 19:06

Sartex-Kemrock to set up aeronautical components manufacturing unit.

Saertex-Kemrock India Limited, a joint venture company of Germany-based Saertex and India's Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited, will invest Euro 10-million initially to manufacture aeronautical components.

Saertex India, a subsidiary of Saertex, is a global leader in carbon and aramide fabrics. Saertex and Kemrock had recently signed an MoU to set up a 50:50 JV in this regard.

"Saertex-Kemrock will invest Euro 10-million in the first phase to set up a new facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, spread over 280-acres for the manufacture of components needed in the aeronautical industry," Kemrock's Chairman and Managing Director, Kalpesh Patel, told reporters here today. There would be further capital infusions going forward, he said.

The facility will be commissioned in the next 6-8 months and will produce high-end carbon composite components for both commercial and defence aeronautical requirements, Patel said.

"This is the first such facility to be set up by Saertex outside Germany, Patel said, adding that Kemrock will provide cutting-edge expertise in composite manufacturing and strong Indian operations.The prime focus of the company would be to build the interiors of the Airbus aircraft in the next three-years, Patel added.

Kemrock is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of moulded gratings and other carbon fibre products used in building of the interiors of the aircrafts, railway coaches, windmill blades, GRP poles, race cars, boats, and racing cycles.

Kemrock, which already has a state-of-the-art facility in Vadodara, had earned a revenue of Rs365-crore in the last fiscal and targets over Rs 600-crore this fiscal, Patel said.

Kailash · Post by **Kailash** » 23 Oct 2009 11:30

Defense supplies and joint development efforts with Belarus

India has sought from the erstwhile Soviet Republic supplies of opto-electronics for armament systems for tanks and combat vehicles, upgradation of BMP-2, T-72 and T-90 tanks including Fire Control Systems, Commander Panoramic Sights, Digital Ballistic Computer and missile firing capability. The Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is holding talks with M/s Teatradr for technology, equipment and spares for refurbishing the OSA-AK missiles for the IAF.

DRDO has also signed contracts worth $2.6 million with various institutes under the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for joint R&D of technologies in Laser and Powder Metallurgy.

sunny y · Post by **sunny y** » 26 Oct 2009 13:54

Hi...Does anybody have any idea about what's happening with DRDO's Avatar/HSTDV.
Based on my limited knowledge about this project, AVATAR & HSTDV are different projects.
DRDO is developing HSTDV & ISRO is involved with AVATAR. Is it correct ??

I've also read that inspite of using almost similiar technologies in both these projects DRDO & ISRO are not ready to take this project together. ISRO doesn't like unprofessional approach of DRDO & DRDO has problems with ISRO's big brother atitude. In past too Reports of friction between these two agencies have been published. Is it correct ??

I mean this is such a prestigious project & no other country has acheived full success in this except for NASA's successful flight. This is our chance to show the world that we are second to none. But here too our internal problems are making this project suffer. I hope both these agencies resolve their differences because if they don't then there is only one loser & that is INDIA the country.

Thanks

sunny y · Post by **sunny y** » 27 Oct 2009 12:44

^^^^Thanks a lot for this valuable information.

Regarding the 2050 timeline. Is this the deadline only for ISRO's AVATAR or for both AVATAR & HSTDV. I mean if DRDO is rolling out the first prototype by the end of 2009 then 40 years to make the product useful is too much. Can u please shed some light on that ??

As you have mentioned this prototype will be retreived by parachutes. But DRDO is also planning to make this aircraft capable of of landing horizontally. Can u please tell us about the progress that has been acheived in this area ??

And finally what about China ?? Does China also have a similiar project ?? If not then I believe this is the perfect opportunity for us to be ahead of them.

Thanks

Kailash · Post by **Kailash** » 28 Oct 2009 11:31

DRDO Under Stress

India’s arms market to open up for home firms

Under the Defence Procurement Policy 2009 that comes into effect from November 1, private Indian firms can be directly approached to take part in the multi-billion dollar local defence market. These companies will be free to look for foreign partners. The rationale behind the move is that the Indian companies can do away with production of major technology through expensive and time consuming research and development process.

They can directly enter into a joint venture with a foreign company and start production of weapon systems that could be delivered fast to the armed forces. In other words, if army wants to buy new tanks, it can place the order with an Indian company instead of a foreign vendor.

sunny y · Post by **sunny y** » 29 Oct 2009 12:20

Thanks a lot nukavarapu

Your info was very helpful in clearing my doubts. This is really very prestigious project & most importantly no country has mastered it yet. So, everybody is on the same page.

I hope this project gets full support from goverment.

Kailash · Post by **Kailash** » 30 Oct 2009 11:24

Boeing signs offsets deal with Indian defence PSUs for P-8I contract

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 04 Nov 2009 01:25

Mahindra Satyam partners with Saab for defence solutions.

IT firm Mahindra Satyam on Tuesday said it will collaborate with Swedish defence firm Saab to develop applications and technology in India for the defence and security market.

The multi-year collaboration would allow the companies to jointly address the Battlefield Management System (BMS) for the Indian Army, Mahindra Satyam said in a statement.

Both parties intend to work together for Indian BMS programme, the statement said.

The company did not comment on the size of the deal. But sources said the deal is in the range of USD 400-500 million and is spread over five years.

Analyst feels, this is one of the big breaks Mahindra Satyam was looking for. This is definitely the biggest deal bagged by Mahindra Satyam (earlier Satyam Computer Services) in its new avatar.

"This relationship will jump start our foray in mission critical areas of defense," Mahindra Satyam CEO C P Gurnani said.

"We view this relationship with Mahindra Satyam as a strategic meeting of two highly skilled teams believing in technical and engineering excellence," Saab President and CEO Ake Svensson said.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 04 Nov 2009 01:41

Bhilai steel plant rolls special steels for space vehicles.

Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) has for the first time rolled high strength special steels used in construction of space vehicles. While the steel
slabs were developed by Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani), a defence ministry arm, these plates of 9.5 mm thickness were rolled for the first time at BSP's Plate Mill recently. The rolled plates are used for manufacturing the main body of India’s indigenous space vehicles.

"These plates find application across the aerospace sector but its commercial use is largely restricted to critical areas of strategic significance," a top source told ET.

These plates are much stronger than mild steel sheets that find application in consumer durables and auto sector, for instance. However, in terms of value, these plates are likely to be many times costlier than hot rolled coils.

Such steels are made out of special alloys and are capable of withstanding metal fatigue which occurs due to tremendous changes in heat and atmospheric pressure on the space craft when it returns to orbit. Steel is widely used in construction of space shuttles along with metals like aluminium, titanium and other high grade materials.

"Bhilai has also been making special grade plates used to manufacture the hull of India’s aircraft carrier warships and submarines," a BSP official said. the plant also manufacturers the widest and thickest plates and also exports it to other countries.

Plates from Bhilai’s Plate Mill are also used for manufacturing boilers, in hydro-electric projects, heavy machinery equipment and as a base for heavy construction including platforms and bridges, including those on the Jammu-Udhampur rail link.

As part of its modernisation programme, BSP has installed a new slab caster and a second set of RH degasser and ladle furnace in the secondary refining facilities of its Steel Melting Shop II.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 04 Nov 2009 05:40

DRDO breaking new grounds..
http://flonnet.com/stories/20091120262310200.htm

Army wanted the DTRL to create a Google Maps-like application that would not compromise on secrecy.

"Suppose I want to know how many villages are there on a 100-km stretch of a road, it is not available in Google [Maps]. We should also be able to search certain features, including similarly spelt names,"

future applications could include each troupe gets networked displays for planning, attacks, orbat, logistics, supplies, everything going on displays.. click and drag to know what happened or happening from CHQ.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 04 Nov 2009 07:59

To add to what Vipul has already posted about the Mahindra-Satyam-Saab deal, here is some more info:

Mahindra Satyam said that it has already initiated the setting up of a centre of excellence for network centric warfare (CoE – NCW) which will offer comprehensive skills and a repository of tools, systems, middleware, integration platforms and system showcases in the field of NCW.

The company through the CoE hopes to tap the high potential market for nationwide security, for which the Indian government has large investment plans. “This relationship will jumpstart our foray in mission critical areas of defense. Our commitment in the domestic market will be reaffirmed by this collaboration and also set the stage to enter uncharted territories in the global arena,” said C P Gurnani, CEO, Mahindra Satyam.

The centre, which will be accessible to both the partners, is for mission critical applications and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence solutions for global opportunities. The capabilities of the centre will also span areas of homeland security to provide end to end security solutions.

Kailash · Post by **Kailash** » 04 Nov 2009 10:59

Defense staff slam privatization move

Kailash · Post by **Kailash** » 04 Nov 2009 11:05

Breaking new ground - Using knowledge of the Terrain

Of men and minds - DRDO research into psychological aspects of selection, training, rehab etc

AnimeshP · Post by **AnimeshP** » 06 Nov 2009 22:35

Kailash wrote:Defense staff slam privatization move

The title of the story is misleading as it leads one to believe that it is the defence forces which are against privitization whereas it is the civilian workforce (read labour unions) in defence factories which are against these moves ... Having seen these unions at close quarters I wouldn't put too much faith in their words ...

tejas · Post by **tejas** » 06 Nov 2009 22:52

AnimeshP wrote

Having seen these unions at close quarters I wouldn't put too much faith in their words

Not sure what you mean. These parasites wouldn't want privatization because their do nothing jobs trump national security/technological independence any day.

AnimeshP · Post by **AnimeshP** » 06 Nov 2009 23:54

tejas wrote:AnimeshP wrote
Having seen these unions at close quarters I wouldn't put too much faith in their words
Not sure what you mean. These parasites wouldn't want privatization because their do nothing jobs trump national security/technological independence any day.

Well ... you have these same unions at Army Base Workshops (which along with Ordinance factories and depots come under Factories Act and not under the Army Act) ... And these unions are no better (if not worse) than the ones plaguing other Govt. factories ... strikes, gheraos, dharnas et al are the norm with these unions. There have been cases when the office holders of these unions have verbally abused and threatened phyisical harm to Army men who are posted in these units. And most of the time these guys get away with it because of the patronage of the local neta for whom these guys form a good votebank ...

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 07 Nov 2009 05:00

A major step forward in enabling high speed air breathing propulsion R&D in India

High Mach number airbreathing propulsion is an area of research & development vital to India’s strategic needs. Propulsion is the most important pacing technology for the high speeds at which advanced aerospace vehicles such as, Access-to-Space Vehicles, Trans-atmospheric Vehicles and Missiles are to fly. From performance considerations, high-speed aerospace vehicles that fly at Mach numbers greater than 3 (speeds greater than 3 times the speed of sound) need to necessarily employ advanced airbreathing propulsion systems such as, ramjets, supersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets) and their complex derivative-the dual-mode ramjet/scramjet. Such critical engine technologies are closely guarded abroad.

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore have active R&D programmes for the development of advanced high-speed combustors for the High Speed Flight Technology Demonstrators of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram and the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. To carry out the appropriate full-scale ground tests, a High-Speed Combustor Test Facility has been set-up at the Propulsion Division, CSIR-NAL, Nilakantan Wind Tunnel Centre, Bangalore with joint funding from ISRO, DRDO and CSIR. This versatile test facility was inaugurated on Wednesday 28th October by Dr.G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO and Chairman, Research Council, NAL.

Dr. Madhavan Nair in his address complimented NAL for setting up such a complex test facility, which will allow the indigenous development of the critical advanced subsonic/supersonic combustor technologies for India’s futuristic high Mach number propulsion systems. He stressed that a comprehensive design data base should be quickly built up by carrying out extensive testing which, from now on, is possible in India. Dr. AR Upadhya, Director, NAL in his opening remarks said that ‘Supersonic Combustion’ is a thrust area activity of NAL and that, in fact, it was in the early nineties that this activity had been initiated in NAL jointly with DRDL by the then DRDL Director, Dr Abdul Kalam and the then NAL Director, Professor Roddam Narasimha.

This test facility can also be employed to carry out full-scale afterburner developmental tests for the aero-engine gas turbines being developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bangalore, which has already funded a related programme.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 07 Nov 2009 10:57

FIPB defers decision on EADS, L&T Venture

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board has recommended that a decision be deferred on EADS and Larsen and Toubro’s proposal to form two joint ventures for production of defence equipment and services here.

This is the third time that a decision on the project has been deferred.

While FIPB has recommended the deferment, the Finance Minister is yet to take a final view. Sources indicated that the decision has been deferred as sections in the Government wanted more time to examine the proposal, specially to verify that the ‘control and ownership’ of L&T in both the joint ventures is ‘absolute and complete’.

The Ministry of Defence was also of the view that allowing the proposal to go through in its current form could lead to a situation where the current 26 per cent cap of foreign direct investment allowed in the sector could be breached.

“Allowing the proposal to go through in its current form opens the possibility of having foreign equity in defence sector up to 49.49 per cent which would breach the existing cap,” sources said.

EADS and Larsen & Toubro wanted to form two joint ventures to carry out the business of providing design, engineering and product development services and manufacturing, distribution and marketing of products in the electronic warfare, military avionics, defence related mobile systems and radars.

The proposal sought approval to incorporate a joint venture with a foreign equity of 24.5 per cent amounting to Rs 6.12 crore.

According to the proposal EADS will hold 24.5 per cent stake in the manufacturing joint venture. While 51 per cent will be held by L&T Technologies, the balance 24.5 per cent, sources said, is proposed to be held by the services joint venture where L&T would hold majority 51 per cent stake and the foreign collaborator will hold 49 per cent.

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 07 Nov 2009 22:16

Antony presents awards to Defence PSUs /Ordnance Factories

Import Substitution

(a)Bharat Electronics Limited, Ghaziabad for Engineering and realization of Rohini Radar D & E Model in collaboration with LRDE (The design agency).

(b)Garden Reach shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., Kolkata for Indigenization of Centrifugal Pumps of Russian Origin for Warships/Submarines in Indian Navy.

Design Efforts
(a)MILCOM SBU unit of BEL, Bangalore for Design and development of STARS V- Mk II 5W / 25W Radio Sets and its various accessories.

(b)Ordnance Factory, Dehu Road, Maharashtra for Development of modified igniter NP- Type II Mk-1 for 455 Litre container bombs for Air Force.

Innovation

(a)Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai for Innovative approach in overhaul of propulsion Motor and their mounts of German origin Submarines of Indian Navy without resorting to usual practice of cutting pressure hull which is usual practice at OEM and also world over.

(b) CRL, BEL, Bangalore for Development of Hand Held Computer, part of the Shakti- Tactical Network project for Artillery of Indian Army.

sunny y · Post by **sunny y** » 09 Nov 2009 18:43

A Sharma wrote:Not sure if posted before

Post 26/11, NSG aims for corner shot weapons, ‘through-the-wall’ radars

Hi....Does anybody have any info about indigenous development of such kind of products like see through radars etc ??
I think DRDO is too involved in missiles & radars, they should also work towards products that can play a major role in homeland security (Just like the Israelis). These products are very important & lucrative as well because the chances of full fledged war with any country in near future are remote but you can't say the same thing about terriorist attacks. You need to have a domestic industry working on this.

Also, please check the second comment on this news report. It's caption is "Pakistan Is Ahead of India" & it has been posted by SHIV AROOR. Look at the stupidity of Pakistanis.

Thanks

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 09 Nov 2009 19:09

sunny, paki comments should be ignored, that's the best they deserve. don't bring them here.
in this case he is right though, the pakis do have a knock-off of the corner shot. it's not a very complex item so it's not a very big deal to make it once the idea has been demonstrated.

since it is not critical technology nor a sanctioned item, it is the small pvt co's who should take the lead in such products. DRDO is better off concentrating on products that either do not exist (India-specific) or that are not accessible to us.

sunny y · Post by **sunny y** » 09 Nov 2009 20:25

Rahul M wrote:sunny, paki comments should be ignored, that's the best they deserve. don't bring them here.

Yes, you are right. It won't happen again

Rahul M wrote:In this case he is right though, the pakis do have a knock-off of the corner shot. it's not a very complex item so it's not a very big deal to make it once the idea has been demonstrated. since it is not critical technology nor a sanctioned item, it is the small pvt co's who should take the lead in such products. DRDO is better off concentrating on products that either do not exist (India-specific) or that are not accessible to us.

Actually cornershot & see through radar was just an example. I actually meant that DRDO should work on such products too not necessarily the same. Of course they can develop something new that can perform the same operation more efficiently. I mean since technology is already availaible, isn't it possible for DRDO to take this & develop it further indigenously. Like nukavarapu mentioned about Pakistan's POF Eye. Now they have the option to export & earn money. Also it will be a matter of pride for us to see DRDO developed security products being used world over. In terms of exports these small homeland security products are the real thing. It will help them financially too because the speed with which terriorism is spreading, there will be huge demand for such products e.g a country like Maldives or Malaysia might not need Akash or nag missiles but they will definitely need these surveillence products.

I believe DRDO needs to work towards improving our small arms research just like the Israelis are doing. Their area is so vast whether it's related to missiles, aircrafts, armaments or providing sensors to secure borders or airports. Recently I read Israel is going to provide sensors & other electronics eqipment to secure IGI Aiport in Delhi. I mean they are everywhere. And this is the perfect opportunity for DRDO to partner with Tata or any other private company for FINSAS. They should not be concerned only with multi caliber Assault Rifle but work towards high end thermal sights & comm equipent too.

Also, please take a look at this : http://www.indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/RFI/7/2.pdf

This is RFI by Army for thermal sights for Assault Rifles. I mean why are they issuing RFI ??
DRDO has already developed them. I remember reading about them in DRDO's Tech Focus. I think it was last year's issue. Or Does it mean that DRDO has to take part in this like any other Indian or foreign firm ??
Can you please shed some light on that ??

Thanks

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 09 Nov 2009 20:45

nukavarapu wrote:
Rahul M wrote:sunny, paki comments should be ignored, that's the best they deserve. don't bring them here.
in this case he is right though, the pakis do have a knock-off of the corner shot. it's not a very complex item so it's not a very big deal to make it once the idea has been demonstrated.

since it is not critical technology nor a sanctioned item, it is the small pvt co's who should take the lead in such products. DRDO is better off concentrating on products that either do not exist (India-specific) or that are not accessible to us.
Its not all lies, it may not be the case that everything PORKI says is a lie. Check the link:
...........

do you bother reading what people post or just respond assuming that they know less ?

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 09 Nov 2009 22:14

no DRDO should not. these are low end technologies that do not require huge R&D investment.
as I said DRDO should concentrate on critical tech not available elsewhere.
the total govt funds are limited and are better used to fund a jet engine project, for example, not every fancy little item anyone can make.

why don't you check who makes the corner shot in israel ? does the israeli govt fund its research ?

ideally small arms related research should be carried out by the OFB units themselves.

venkat_r · Post by **venkat_r** » 09 Nov 2009 23:02

Ofcourse, as the over arching organisation for Mil Research we would like the DRDO to work on LCA, PAD to all the way to the other end of the spectrum, Instant Dhokla with Granola - quick snack for jawans on the go and Bullet Proof Lungies for ease and comfort and anything in between. A bit over the top might be, but maybe DRDO could be working on those, if money and time were not a constraint.

Given the situation we are in, only the high visible, strategic weapon systems would be developed by DRDO with some sprinkling of others in the near term. It will be years if not decades before DRDO takes up other roles. The new defence procurement policy of encouraging the private participation should help in other sectors in the short to the intermediate term.

Sandipan · Post by **Sandipan** » 09 Nov 2009 23:19

Rahul - It is logical that you don't want DRDO to concentrate on low end tech like Cornershot, that part is understandable but telling OFB to do it may not be fruitful. Why? because we see lot of good ideas and prototypes from OFB during the defence expos but very small portion of those are actually made in practice and out of those precious little few are actually accepted by Armed forces. So you see their Concept to actual conversion is not very good. I think it is better to purchase these low volume low tech items off the shelf

Low tech - Low Volume - Buy (Cornershot)
Low tech - High Volume - Make (INSAS)
High tech - Low Volume - Make if you know how to make or Buy if you are allowed to buy
High tech - High Volume - Make (buy critical techs)

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 09 Nov 2009 23:29

sandipan, how many things do you see from the OFB, most of the products that you see are researched by DRDO labs. the OFBs themselves need a major re-structuring to make them more product oriented rather than continue being sick PSUs.