DRDO Awards Seven New Projects to Boost Indigenous Defence Capabilities under Technology Development Fund

These project sanctions are a testament to DRDO's continuing endeavour to nurture industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, in defence and aerospace domains.

Providing impetus to Aatmanirbharta, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various requirements of the Armed Forces and aerospace & defence sectors. These project sanctions are a testament to DRDO's continuing endeavour to nurture industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, in defence and aerospace domains. The indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem. The details of the sanctioned projects are as follows:

Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit: The project involves the development of an indigenous toolkit for simulator training pilots in realistic scenarios, aiding in full mission planning and large force engagement. The project has been awarded to start-up Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida.

Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: This project pertains to versatile marine battlefield accessories deployable in multiple combat roles, focusing on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, Pune, has been awarded this project.

Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection & Neutralisation: These dual-use systems will enable detection, classification, localisation, and neutralisation of underwater objects while keeping key assets away from suspected operational areas. The project has been awarded to start-up IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi.

Development of Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft: The project aims to develop a sensor to detect icing conditions in-flight caused by super-cooled water droplets that freeze upon impact with aircraft surfaces. This will be utilised by the aircraft for activating the anti-icing mechanism. Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, has been awarded this project.

Development of Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator: This project will enable the deployment of a multiple target system for testing and evaluating multiple short-range aerial weapon systems, serving as a fundamental building block for larger radar systems. Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai, has been sanctioned this project.

Development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition & Dissemination System: Sanctioned to Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, this project aims to indigenise the timing acquisition and dissemination system, utilise the Indian Constellation for acquiring time, and develop a customised and flexible timing system as per range requirements.

Development of Graphene-Based Smart & E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications: This project, awarded to start-up Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore, will develop conductive yarn and fabric-making processes using graphene nanomaterials and conductive inks. The outcome will be advanced nanocomposite materials-based E-textiles for practical clothing applications.

These projects reflect DRDO's commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in India's defence and aerospace sectors, ensuring that the Armed Forces have access to cutting-edge, indigenously developed technologies.