The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised a day-long industry interaction and brainstorming session at the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad. The aim was to bring together all defence industries, including MSMEs and start-ups, to address their concerns. Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, chaired the session and assured the industry of DRDO’s full support. He emphasised DRDO’s role as a mentor in enhancing their capabilities to transform India into a net defence exporter.
Arun Chaudhary, Director of the Directorate of Industry Interface & Technology Management, provided insights into the selection process of industries as development cum production partners and explained the highlights of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. He also shared details of DRDO’s policies and procedures regarding the utilisation of its infrastructure testing facility and DRDO patents by Indian industries.
The session presented an overview of the System for Advanced Manufacturing Assessment and Ranking (SAMAR), which includes an IT-enabled online model for digitised assessment featuring geo-tagging and time-stamping. This interactive session served as a platform for open brainstorming, allowing industries to express their challenges, expectations, and the support required in the current scenario. The discussions aimed to create a redefined framework that promotes ease of doing business and facilitates the industry, aligning with the vision of DRDO.
According to a senior officer from DRDO, this session marked a unique beginning for Aatmachintan and Manthan, providing valuable insights and opportunities for the industry. The event was important to boost the Indian defence manufacturing sector and achieve complete self-reliance.
