By Staff Correspondent
In a move to stimulate defence research and development (R&D) in the industrial and academic spheres, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) held its ‘Anusandhaan Chintan Shivir’ event in New Delhi on June 27, 2023. The function was graced by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.
DRDO disclosed an inventory of 75 key technology areas, which could be instrumental in fostering a more robust defence manufacturing industry. The classification is comprehensive, branching out into 403 technological categories and further diversifying into 1,295 present and prospective technology development tasks.
This extensive technology catalogue will likely play a pivotal role in domesticating and innovating defence technologies, thereby setting India on a trajectory of self-reliance. The approach also endorses military technology design and development within India by engaging with the industry and academia.
The DRDO’s report, ‘Technology Foresight 2023’, containing the full list of areas, categories, and technology development activities, was also made public. The publication delineates technology areas that DRDO laboratories are currently focusing on and is accessible via www.drdo.gov.in.
| S No | Technology Area |
| 1 | Additive Manufacturing |
| 2 | Aero Structures |
| 3 | Aerodynamics |
| 4 | Aeromechanical Systems |
| 5 | Agro Technology for Military Support in High Altitude Areas |
| 6 | AI/ML Technology |
| 7 | Alternative Power Plant |
| 8 | Antennas |
| 9 | Armoured & Combat Vehicles |
| 10 | Autonomous Systems and Robotics |
| 11 | Behavioural Analysis for Soldiers |
| 12 | Bio Defence |
| 13 | Bio Remediation |
| 14 | Biomedical Engineering & Technologies |
| 15 | C4ISR |
| 16 | Camouflage Technology |
| 17 | CBRN Defence |
| 18 | Communication |
| 19 | Control Systems |
| 20 | Counter Swarm Technology |
| 21 | Cyber, Information & Communication Security |
| 22 | Decoys |
| 23 | Detonics & Mechanisms |
| 24 | Diesel Engine |
| 25 | Directed Energy |
| 26 | Electric Power Technology |
| 27 | Electro Optics |
| 28 | Electronic Devices |
| 29 | Electronic Warfare |
| 30 | EM Rail Gun |
| 31 | Embedded Systems |
| 32 | Energy |
| 33 | Environment Protection |
| 34 | Environmental Testing |
| 35 | Fire Fighting |
| 36 | Guidance & Navigation |
| 37 | Guided Artillery |
| 38 | Gun Technology |
| 39 | Hardware In Loop Simulation |
| 40 | High Performance Computing |
| 41 | Hydro Structures |
| 42 | Hypersonic Technologies |
| 43 | Life Support |
| 44 | Materials |
| 45 | Military Food Technology |
| 46 | Mines & Mines Detection |
| 47 | Missile Systems |
| 48 | Multi-Barrel Rockets |
| 49 | Munition/Ammunition |
| 50 | Natural Hazard Management |
| 51 | Non Destructive Evaluation |
| 52 | Ocean Profiling |
| 53 | Parachute Technology |
| 54 | Passive Countermeasures |
| 55 | Propulsion Technologies |
| 56 | Protective Clothing & Gears |
| 57 | Quantum Technologies |
| 58 | Radar Technologies |
| 59 | Radome Technologies |
| 60 | Respiratory Management |
| 61 | Seeker Technologies |
| 62 | Sensors/Detectors |
| 63 | Soldier Support |
| 64 | Sonar Technologies |
| 65 | Space Situational Awareness |
| 66 | Space Technologies |
| 67 | Surveillance and Tracking |
| 68 | Swarm Technology |
| 69 | Terahertz |
| 70 | UAV |
| 71 | UGV |
| 72 | Underwater Defence Technologies |
| 73 | Wargaming |
| 74 | Warhead/Explosive & Ballistic Protection |
| 75 | Waste Management |
The website will present notable technology tasks predicted in the imminent future for defence R&D needs. The industry and academia are given access to a roster of various DRDO establishments operating in the respective areas, facilitating a streamlined communication channel among stakeholders.
Highlighting the importance of indigenous defence technologies for the Armed Forces, the CDS applauded the DRDO for its initiative in organising the ‘Anusandhaan Chintan Shivir’.
DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat emphasised the need for harmonious collaboration among the DRDO, industry, and academia to escalate technologies from a basic to an advanced level, primed for mass production.
Key personnel from academia and industry, including Director General (Technology Management) Dr Subrata Rakshit, Director IIT Delhi Professor Rangan Banerjee, and Executive VP L&T Arun Ramchandani, offered their insights on Defence R&D during the conclave.
Attendees included top-ranking military officials, DRDO scientists, industry leaders, and academic experts, reflecting the collaborative intent of the event.
The DRDO, with its extensive network of laboratories and centres, is deeply involved in developing defence technologies across various disciplines. The goal is to foster self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems through the creation of advanced weapon systems and equipment. To achieve this, DRDO has been actively engaging with stakeholders across the defence ecosystem to promote Industry and Academia cooperation in the development of new technologies.
