DRDO showcasing 430 strategic & tactical weapon systems, defence equipment & technologies

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is displaying a wide range of 430 products encompassing the strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies developed in DefExpo 2022. The major theme for this year’s DRDO participation is based on 3D (DRDO, Designed and Developed) ecosphere which will highlight its strong linkages with both Industry as well as Academia.

Further, it is showcasing the advancements in technologies made by its laboratories as well as its partnerships with the industry, in recent years while representing a high level of indigenousness in advanced and futuristic defence products & technologies that contribute towards Atmanirbharta in Defence.

In addition, DRDO is displaying several initiatives to deepen its strategic partnerships with Industry, and Academia. These include initiatives such as Technology Development Fund, Dare to Dream, DIA- Centres of Excellence and other similar schemes to support academia, Start-ups, MSMEs and large industries to continuously upgrade technology readiness levels of present and futuristic technologies in the country. All these DRDO led initiatives have led to operational readiness of many Indian industries, especially in the areas of systems, radars, sonars, missiles, aircrafts, etc some of which are displayed at the DRDO Pavilion.

At DefExpo 2022, DRDO is providing numerous static displays, live demonstrations, seminars as well as immersive experience zones spread across three locations including the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Helipad Exhibition Centre, and Sabarmati River Front.

The venue for DRDO Pavilion is Hall no. 10 of Helipad Exhibition Centre. It is segmented in 17 display zones of various classes including Immersive Zones and Experience Zones to showcase 376 products. These 17 zones are namely Engines & Propulsion, Aerospace & Aeronautics (UAVs, fighter aircrafts, aircraft for surveillance etc), Sensors, Devices & Advanced Electronics, Naval Weapons & Systems (EW systems and Sensors), Armoured Vehicles & Land Systems, Armament, Guns & Ammunition, Materials, Missiles (Cruise, MBRLs, AAM, ATGM & MRSAM), BrahMos, Industry Partners in R&D (17 Partners-3 Start-ups &14 MSMEs), Soldier Support and Dual Use Technologies (Soldier support, LS products, Fire protection, Firefighting, Fuel & Energy, Food products etc), Experience Zone (Simulator, Virtual Reality and Audio-Visual), Software AI & Cyber, Academic Zone, Academic Outreach, Industry Outreach and Public Interface.

Several technologies developed for land based, naval and air-based systems are showcased through experience zones – a closed room immersive cinematic experience. In a first, Advanced Combat Aircraft (AMCA) simulator will be made available to experience, among other augmented and virtual reality Naval, Land and Air product simulators. A holographic deck providing a 3D experience of over 30 defence products is present at the hall to gain insights into the intricacies of weapon designs.

At DefExpo 2022, DRDO is providing numerous static displays, live demonstrations, seminars as well as immersive experience zones spread across three locations

Over a sprawling 1200 sq. mtr. outdoor display, 18 Outdoor static exhibits (actual products) are also put on display at the Helipad Exhibition Centre. These include Border Surveillance System (BOSS), Laser Fence System (LFS), IRDE Tableau, BrahMos Air Version Missile, Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) for BrahMos, CBRN Water Purification System, Infantry Combat Vehicle with Composite Hull (CICV), Advanced Composites Modular Bridge System (ACMBS), 155mmX52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), CBRN Water Purification System, CBRN Recce Vehicles, 70 T Tank Transporter, Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), Prahar Missile, Rudram III Missile, Quick reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), Mounted Gun System (MSG), Unmanned Ground Mobile Platform (UGMP).

DRDO is presenting Live Demo as well as Static Display of equipment at the Sabarmati River Front. Five Live demo of DRDO equipment are being put on display namely – Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS) with Electro Optic System (EOS), Imaging Sonar ‘CHITR’, Autonomous Survey Vehicle – Inland, Autonomous Survey Vehicle -Coastal (ASV- Coastal) and Weapon Mounted Surface Vehicle. Whereas six static displays of DRDO equipment presented are AIR Independent Propulsion System, Virtual Reality based counter measure deployment simulator, TAL Torpedo, Portable Diver Detection Sonar, Wet End Unit, Counter Drone System for IN – D4 Radar, Soft Kill System and Hard Kill System, and Passive IRSS Device.

And finally, India Pavilion in the Helipad Exhibition Centre is displaying a combined strength of DRDO along with public and private sectors. DRDO has put its 22 products on static display. These high-value products are displayed in the form of actual products and include – VIBHAV- Anti Tank Point Attack Munition, VISHAL- Anti Tank Bar Mine, PRACHAND- Anti Tank, 9 x 19mm Machine Pistol- ASMI, Mine Field marking Equipment Mk II, Light Tank, Daksh Defuser, MBT Arjun Mk-1A, Light Machine Gun, Pralay, QRSAM, Carbine- 5.56 x 45mm, AIP System- Air Independent Propulsion, TAPAS, ASTRA Mk-I, LCA Mk2 amongst others.

A seminar conducted by DRDO on the theme ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence R&D: Synergistic Approach’ will be held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in the forenoon session on October 20, 2022. This will be chaired by Defence Minister. Winners of Dare to Dream 3 will be awarded by Defence Minister. DRDO will exchange MOU with six IITs and Bharathiar University for establishing new DIA-CoEs in presence of Defence Minister. Dare to Dream 4 contest will also be declared open by Defence Minister. Minister of State for Defence will release a few monographs and policies.

Over the span of the exhibition, the participants and attendees will witness a string of major events, seminars, and discussions. Among these is one such event – Bandhan –designed to handover licenses of DRDO developed technologies to the industries. DefExpo 2022 will see 15 LAToTs and 10 technologies to 12 industries in its Bandhan event.