75 AI products developed in India by DRDO and DPSUs.

The Indian Defence industry is taking giant steps in transforming the armed forces into one of the most advanced in the world. The adoption of technology based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will revolutionise the Indian Military. It also places India firmly in the huge defence product market. Government support and plans to modernize the military through AI is a result of years of groundwork. Bold policies, dedicated budgets, policy changes and the thrust towards indigenisation, have helped create an atmosphere of cutting-edge innovation and collaboration. This joint effort among industry both public and private, research organisations, academic institutions, start-ups and innovators has helped create many unique technological products based on AI in the areas of data, logistics, surveillance, weapons and many more. The introduction of autonomy in weapon systems, in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), data management, can be a huge asset in stopping terrorism, installing counter-terrorism measures, protecting soldiers. In fact, AI in defence can change combat and conflict at the deepest levels. This book is a compendium of some stupendous products and stellar achievements in AI-based technologies in defence by individuals, companies and institutions towards catapulting the Indian defence industry into a major global force.

Read: https://www.ddpmod.gov.in/sites/default/files/ai.pdf

Institutions that shaped modern India- DRDO

Ravi kumar Gupta , the author, served at DRDO as a DRDS Scientist for over 35 years and superannuated in May 2015 as Scientist G and Director Public Interface at the DRDO headquarters. The book was written with the aim of presenting a holistic picture , the manner and scenario under which it was formed , its visionary leaders, the eventful journey and how it shaped the defence infrastructure and ecosystem in the country.

Catching up:

Development in weapon system in advanced countries have been invariably driven by innovativeness of their defence scientists and the ability of such scientists to think well beyond the existing systems and technologies. Here, in India, TDE ( Technical Development Establishments , earlier called Inspectorates) and others insisted that development work by the DRDO should be taken up for only after the services had laid their requirements in the form of Qualitative Requirements/ Operational Requirements (Qrs/Ors). The Qrs/Ors were invariably based on the products already available abroad.

Technology Transfer

Import and produce under license is a powerful lobby favouring big ticket imports and killing all local efforts to develop technologies. Air guided anti tank missile was one early example. Initial goal post was range of 1.5km, when that was reached, QRs increased operating range to 4km and finally product imported from France. Myth of Technology transfer resulted in component to component development with no design capability.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

The appointment of DR VS Arunachalam as the SA to RM and Secretary DDR&D in 1982 was the turning point. During his leadership, several programmes were launched including IGMDP, LCA, UAV,Sonars, Torpedoes etc. His initiatives were supported by R Venkataraman, Defence Minister. Dr Kalam took command of the organisation in 1992 when DRDO enetered the development of mega systems. The rest is history.

Book available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/INSTITUTIONS-THAT-SHAPED-MODERN-INDIA/dp/9390356725

Defense Reserach labd in India offer patents - royalty free

The Indian Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) has formulated a new policy that allows the Organization to offer complete access to its patents filed in India without any licensing or royalty fees.  According to the notification, an application for licensing must be made through the DRDO website and a processing fee of INR 1000/- must be deposited. The Applicant is also required to disclose its financial and technical capabilities in a comprehensive manner, along with the application. All applications will undergo a screening process to determine whether the applicant has met the eligibility requirements and has provided all the required information. On completion of the same, a non-exclusive license will be granted for a period of 1 year. The Licensee is obligated to furnish details to DRDO, every year, regarding Working of Patents – Form 27. On completion of one year, the license can be renewed without incurring any additional costs. DRDO’s patent portfolio primarily consists of inventions related to missile technology, aeronautics, naval systems, life sciences, armaments, combat engineering, electronics and communication material.

List of patents.

DRDO technologies for licensing

DRDO has listed several dual use/ commercial technologies under category B. They can be checked at:
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=cat-b-technology.jsp

The following agencies can be contacted for Technology Transfer

1. National Research Development Corporation
2. Confederation of Indian Industry
3. PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
4. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India

 Technologies transferred are listed at:
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=cat-b-tech-delivered.jsp

Additional list of technologies ready to transfer are at:
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=cat-b-tech-ready.jsp

Defence off set contract condition Vs Phased Manufacturing Programme

New set of conditions for defence procurement  stipulate foreign firms to support development of Indian capabilities by way of technology transfer and local procurement. In this context, lessons learned in implementing Phased Manufacturing Programme by DGTD prior to liberalisation could still be relevant:

• Technology transfer is a commercial decision involving two private firms and for government wishes/ contracts to be enforced, liberal funding support need to be provided simultaneously to Indian firms to take up R&D projects to develop technology absorption capacity.  
• Innovation is driven by demand and defence needs to give a fair opportunity to Indian firms by giving out long term (10-15 years) development  contracts.
• Do away with pre-approved (budget) funds for DRDO, let all funds flow thru developmental contracts from Defence.

Mosquito Repellent Wet Wipe from India

A product developed for Army now protects millions of babies . Mosquito Repellent Wet wipe is introduced in the civilian market by Jyothy laboratories Limited based on technology (Diethyl Phenylacetamide technology) developed in DRDE Gwalior lab. The tech transfer is facilitated by FICCI.

Product is priced at Rs 3/-.