Aero India: Why Indigenous Manufacturing Of Aero Engines Is Important?

Highlights:

• LCA Tejas is a game changer for aerospace industry: Shri Rajnath Singh
• Emphasises on indigenous design & development of essential weapon systems using niche technologies like Artificial Intelligence
• Raksha Mantri hands over Health Usage & Monitoring System for MIG29K developed through Technology Development Fund to Indian Navy
• DRDO hands over 18 ToT agreements to Industries for 12 technologies

India's Defence Ministry is exploring the possibility of manufacturing aero-engines in the country to achieve complete self-reliance and boost the aerospace sector. 

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh delivered the news at the seminar titled 'Indigenous Development of Futuristic Aerospace Technologies Including Way Forward for Development of Indigenous Aero Engines,' organised by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the 14th Aero India in Bengaluru on 14th February 2023. The seminar was attended by numerous scientists, engineers and technicians. The key highlights of the seminar are as follows:

The need for indigenous aero engines

India, after completing 75 years of independence, is entering 'Amrit Kaal,' and it is time to ensure that Indian aircraft fly with indigenously made engines, said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The focus should be on the indigenous design & development of essential weapon systems using niche technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, drones, stealth, hypersonic and quantum computing.

Encouraging start-ups and new R&D establishments

Raksha Mantri urged DRDO to encourage start-ups and new R&D establishments to develop incremental innovations, minor sub-systems and their technologies through schemes like Technology Development Fund and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

Setting short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals

DRDO should set short-term, mid-term and long-term goals and work to build disruptive, cutting-edge, or frontier technologies.

The Raksha Mantri described the scientists, engineers and technicians of DRDO as behind-the-scenes heroes who design, develop and manufacture weapons & technologies and provide them to the soldiers posted at the borders. He commended the DRDO for continuously making headways in defence and aerospace sectors through research & innovation and strengthening national security through design & development of equipment ranging from ammunition to guns, radar systems and missiles.

Transfer of technology

The DRDO has equipped industries with the latest defence technologies by signing the Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (ToT) of several critical systems. It handed over 18 ToT agreements to 18 Indian Industries for transfer of 12 technologies developed by 10 DRDO laboratories.

Launch of AR&DB web portal

The Raksha Mantri launched the AR&DB web portal, www.samar.gov.in (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment & Rating). SAMAR is the benchmark to measure the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises. SAMAR is an outcome of the collaboration between DRDO and Quality Council of India (QCI) to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem in the country.

Handover of Health Usage & Monitoring System for MIG29K

The Raksha Mantri handed over the Health Usage & Monitoring System for MIG29K developed through Technology Development Fund (TDF) to Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Satish Namdeo Ghormade. The DRDO in association with Smart Machines and Structures, Hyderabad, under the TDF scheme, has indigenously developed the Health Usage Monitoring System for the MiG29K with technical handholding of DRDO and users.