The Army Design Bureau and the Drone Federation of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate together on research and development projects including drones, counterdrones, and associated technologies for the Indian Army’s operational usage.
The MoU between the Indian Army and the Drone Federation of India, according to the Ministry of Defence, would support initiatives to support business and academics in order to help them create specialised goods and technologies for the Indian Army.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intends to promote cooperation in the research, development, testing, and manufacture of drones, counter-drones, and many related technologies that can help the Army in its numerous operational scenarios. The MoD stated in a news release on Monday that “this MoU also shows the unflinching commitment of the Indian Army in assisting our industry and the whole ecosystem to develop indigenous equipment and weapon systems in accordance with Atmanirbharta in defence manufacture.”
The Indian Army’s nodal agency, the Army Design Bureau, coordinates research and development activities with business, academia, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), and various Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) so that they can fully comprehend and value user requirements.
A non-profit, industry-led organisation called the Drone Federation of India (DFI) seeks to create a more secure and developed unmanned aircraft sector in India. The organisation strives to reform policies, open up commercial possibilities, build skilling infrastructures, and facilitate the transfer of technology and expertise.
The two parties have committed to work together to develop a roadmap for drones, counter-drones, and related technologies in the Indian Army in accordance with the amended conditions of the MoU. Research, development, testing, and domestic production of drones and related technologies will also be shared efforts. Testing facilities will be made available to facilitate the design, prototyping, testing, and production of drones and related parts.
According to a press release from the MoD, the two organisations will also make it easier for Army representatives to visit the facilities of industry participants’ factories in order to learn more about their capabilities and level of development, as well as for representatives of the industry and other experts to visit army bases and other operational posts in order to raise awareness of real-world manufacturing scenarios in India.
