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India Takes Major Steps To Become Global Hub For Defence Research And Technology

The Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at transforming the country into a global hub for defence research and technology. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth shared key updates in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Friday, highlighting projects worth an estimated Rs 1,264 crore. These initiatives involve significant participation from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and academic institutions.

Technology Development Fund (TDF) Supports Defence Innovations

Among the key initiatives is the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which is a flagship programme under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The scheme, executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has already sanctioned 79 projects worth Rs 334.02 crore for the development of cutting-edge defence technologies.

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Seth explained that the TDF scheme encourages industries, particularly MSMEs and start-ups, to take part in the design and manufacturing of defence technologies. As part of the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) vision, the scheme integrates new industries into the defence sector. The government provides up to Rs 50 crore per project as a grant-in-aid under this scheme.

DRDO’s Industry-Academia Centres Drive Collaboration

Another major development is the establishment of DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs), designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and DRDO. To date, 15 DIA-CoEs have been established across India. These centres, located at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and other central and state universities, focus on research in identified defence and security areas.

The DRDO has sanctioned Rs 930 crore for 264 projects under its Grants-in-Aid scheme to support these centres.

iDEX And Dare To Dream Contest Encourage Defence Innovation

The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, launched by the government, is another key initiative designed to boost innovation in defence and aerospace. The iDEX scheme, scaled up in May 2021 with a budget of Rs 498.80 crore, aims to support MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia. The scheme will provide financial support to nearly 300 start-ups and MSMEs, along with 20 partner incubators under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

Further promoting innovation, the DRDO organizes the annual Dare to Dream Innovation Contest, which invites ideas from innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-ups in the fields of defence and aerospace.

Strengthening India’s Defence Research And Technology Landscape

Through these various initiatives, the Indian government is laying the groundwork for a robust defence research and technology ecosystem. By involving MSMEs, start-ups, and academic institutions, India is not only fostering innovation but also strengthening its self-reliance in the defence sector, with the potential to make a significant impact on global defence technology.

Richa Kaushik