New Delhi: In a significant stride towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully transferred the technologies of nine state-of-the-art defence systems to 10 private and public sector industries. The technology licensing agreements were formally handed over during an event organized at VRDE’s campus in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, on 07 June 2025.
The transfer of these technologies is in line with the Government of India’s commitment to building a self-reliant defence industrial base through enhanced public-private partnership. The initiative aims to boost the production of advanced land-based defence systems and weapon platforms while promoting strategic technological innovation under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
The ceremony was presided over by Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, who handed over the agreements to the industry partners. Also in attendance were Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering) Cluster, DRDO, Prof. (Dr.) Prateek Kishore, and VRDE Director Shri G. Ramamohana Rao, along with several senior scientists and representatives from the defence manufacturing sector.
🔧 Technologies Transferred and Industry Partners
The following is a list of systems developed by DRDO-VRDE and the respective companies receiving the technology:
| S. No. | Product/Technology | Industry Partner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II | Bharat Electronics Limited |
| 2 | Mounted Gun System | Bharat Forge Limited |
| 3 | Anti-Terrorist Vehicle – Tracked Version | Metaltech Motor Bodies Pvt. Ltd. |
| 4 | Full Trailer for 70t Tank Transporter (for MBT Arjun Mk-1A) | BEML Ltd., Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Pvt. Ltd., John Galt International |
| 5 | Expandable Mobile Shelter | Bharat Electronics Limited |
| 6 | Vajra Riot Control Vehicle | Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. |
| 7 | Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun | BEML Ltd. |
| 8 | Unit Repair Vehicle for MBT Arjun | BEML Ltd. |
| 9 | Multi-Purpose Decontamination System | Dass Hitachi Ltd., Goma Engineering Pvt. Ltd. |
🤝 VRDE & COEP Join Hands for Future Innovation
In a noteworthy development, VRDE also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune, to collaborate on research in cutting-edge technologies and emerging engineering areas. This academic-industry-defence collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in areas such as mobility platforms, materials, and systems integration.
🗣️ Key Highlights from the Event
In his keynote address, Dr. Samir V. Kamat praised the role of DRDO and the domestic industry in the successful deployment of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor, a major recent military operation. He emphasized the importance of building “surge capacity” to quickly scale up production in times of crisis.
He commended VRDE for its pioneering contributions in designing high-end land systems and urged both public and private sector players to further their readiness in delivering world-class defence platforms.
Prof. (Dr.) Prateek Kishore and Shri Ramamohana Rao echoed this vision, reaffirming DRDO’s commitment to technology sharing, Make-in-India initiatives, and continuous R&D in mission-critical areas.
🌍 Strengthening the Indigenous Defence Manufacturing Landscape
This landmark event reflects DRDO’s proactive approach to bridge the gap between research and large-scale deployment by empowering Indian industries. With an increasing number of systems entering the production stage through licensing, India moves closer to achieving strategic autonomy in defence.
The technologies transferred during this ceremony span tactical vehicles, support infrastructure, riot control platforms, and advanced decontamination systems—highlighting the scope and diversity of DRDO’s capabilities in modern land warfare solutions.
For more details check press release on PIB website.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
