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DRDO An Enabler In Making Defence & Aerospace Sectors Atmanirbhar: G Satheesh Reddy

G Satheesh Reddy Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO points out the number of LCAs being operationalised and standardised in the sector. The fact that the Indian Armed Forces have shown confidence in domestic aviation technology has added to the growth of the sector. In fact today the Indian industry is supplying to various major aircraft manufacturers in the world.

The defence and aerospace sector has witnessed a measurable change over the last two decades. The preceding 5-6 years, in particular, have seen an exponential change in the industry in terms of technological development, systems development and systems induction. DRDO’s role as an enabler has proved instrumental in revitalising the sector.


Aerospace Manufacturing Sector has come up in a long way

A look at the trends in the aerospace domain gives an encouraging picture. Highlighting the increase in production, distribution and capacity building initiatives, Dr G Satheesh Reddy Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO points out the number of LCAs being operationalised and standardised in the sector and gave an example of the increase in the manufacture of helicopters as well. 

The number of industries that have come up to service the needs of the Indian armed forces has been a positive sign for the sector. The fact that the Indian Armed Forces have shown confidence in domestic aviation technology has added to the growth of the sector. In fact today the Indian industry is supplying to various major aircraft manufacturers in the world. 

There are many industries that are getting supplies from India. The Aerospace manufacturing sector has come up in a big way, says Dr Reddy.

On similar lines, Dr Reddy hails the country’s technical and technological prowess to manufacture state of art missiles and artillery guns. He also expresses satisfaction over the country’s indigenous capacity to build radars.

I can very confidently say that we are completely self-reliant and self-sufficient in Radar technology. Participation of the industry is tremendous

Dr Reddy welcomes the participation of the industry in strengthening and streamlining the manufacturing capabilities in the aerospace and defence sector. 

He gives the example of Aakash Missile to substantiate his point which actually had large orders to the tune of 30,000 crores. And BDL is the prime agency for producing the missiles. In missile production, 85% by value is coming from the private industry. 

That's how BDL could promise that it will be able to double the production per month. Because the supply chain was so much incoming from the industries and each part has at least two or three suppliers, this is how the system has evolved, he says.

He further adds: "Efficient Defence Procurement Procedure has cut down long gestation period." 

Dr Reddy draws attention to DRDO’s efforts to optimise and bring efficiencies to the manufacturing and supply chain process in the defence sector. The organisation has implemented a mechanism called DCPP that focuses on institutionalising, streamlining and simplifying defence procurement procedures. It aids in boosting indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment. More importantly, the procedure ensures increased production by minimising the gestation period and cutting down the time frames for various procurement activities. 

Before concluding his address at the BW Aerospace & Defence Conclave, 2021, Satheesh Reddy re-emphasised the support function played by DRDO in making the industry a self-reliant one.




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