DefExpo 2020 witnesses over 200 MoUs, technology transfers, product launches
07 Feb 2020
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The third day of the ongoing defence technology exhibition, DefExpo 2020 witnessed the signing of over 200 partnership agreements, including memorandum of understanding (MoUs), transfer of technology (ToTs) and product launches.
The partnership and collaboration agreements were signed at ceremony tilted `Bandhan’, making DefExpo 2020 the most successful such events to be held in India.
Representatives of various defence public sector units (DPSUs), private sector defence manufacturers and foreign companies signed various agreements involving forging and renewing of partnerships for innovative collaboration and transformation of the defence manufacturing in the country.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh described the signing of MoUs as a step in the direction to achieve Prime Minister’s $5 billion defence exports target in the next 5 years. Defence PSUs and the Indian defence private industry are better placed today to lead India as the emerging R&D hub of the world, leveraging the sharp minds of Indian youth, the liberalised licensing regime that would surely attract large investments by both Indian and global companies, he stressed.
Among the MoUs signed today, 23 were by Uttar Pradesh government. Chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath said these MoUs envisage Rs50,000 crore investment in the defence corridor setup in the state, that, he said, would generate 3 lakh job opportunities.
Defence Secretary Ajay Kumr said DefExpo 2020 would be remembered for many firsts – including for the signing of largest number of MoUs, ToTs and product launches. Bandhan ceremony witnessed more than 13 product launches, 124 MoUs between DPSUs, private and global defence manufacturing companies.
Sateesh Reddy, defence secretary and chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation, said it was DRDO’s duty to ensure that the Defence Corridor in Uttar Pradesh flourishes. DRDO also signed a technology partnership agreement with the state government for imparting skill training, hand holding and providing guidance in all aspects related to technology. A collaboration cell was already setup in the state to facilitate the process, he said.
He also said a research and development centre would be set up in the state that would act as a catalyst with respect to defence development. Technology transfer was made available at no cost to companies in order to further the defence ecosystem in the country. Further, the patents held by DRDO were given free to Indian companies to further develop technologies that would benefit Indian companies.
The ceremonyalso witnessed a major announcement of issuing Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) certificate fot Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah and Chetak helicopters which are currently being operated by Indian Armed forces.
LUH is a new generation helicopter in the 3-ton class incorporating the state-of-the-art technology features which will meet the emerging needs in this class of helicopters in the coming decades.
OFB launched “Sharang” the 155mm artillery gun with 36 km range and handed over a model to Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane. OFB also launched JVPC Alpha gun with 100 mt range, Light Machine Gun of 800 mt range and UBGL – Under barrel Grenade launcher.
BDL launched Amogha-3 the Anti-Tank Guided Missile. It is a man portable fire and forget missile.
BDL also launched Varunastra – the anti-submarine torpedo, manufactured under the technological guidance of DRDO.
DRDO also signed a Technology Development Contract with Rosoboronexport of Russia for development of high energy materials required in the production of missiles, rockets and guns.
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune, signed technology development contract with Rosoboronexport, Russia for development of Advanced Pyrotechnic Ignition Systems.
HEMRL is the DRDO laboratory working in the development of spectrum of these high energy materials.
Director HEMRL KPS Murthy said the agreement would enable advancement in the field of energetic materials and pyrotechnic technology leading to the development of advanced ignition systems. This will meet futuristic requirements of high-performance propulsion systems. He added that the propulsion systems are the power behind the rockets and missiles. This technology development will facilitate design and development of state of art solid rocket motors for upcoming products. These products will be based on compact and energy efficient propulsion systems, he said.
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