New Delhi, Jul 4 (KNN) The Indian Ministry of Defence has allocated over Rs 300 crore through its Technology Development Fund (TDF) to bolster indigenous defence capabilities and promote self-reliance in the sector.

This initiative, part of the 'Make in India' campaign, aims to support local industries, MSMEs, startups, and academic institutions in developing cutting-edge military technologies.

The TDF, executed by DRDO, provides grants-in-aid for developing defence and dual-use technologies currently unavailable in India's defence industry.

The program focuses on engaging private industries, particularly MSMEs and startups, to meet current and future needs of the Armed Forces.

Several successful projects have emerged from this initiative. Combat Robotics, a Pune-based startup, developed a multi-domain simulator for unmanned vehicles.

Another Pune firm, ChiStats Labs, is working on virtual sensors for aero gas turbine engine health monitoring using AI/ML. In Bengaluru, NewSpace Research and Technologies created an autonomous drone for indoor operations.

The projects contribute significantly to technological advancements in defence, with applications ranging from hazardous environment exploration to industrial inspections.

The TDF's support for indigenous innovation is a significant step towards achieving 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence technology and strengthening India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.

This move aligns with the country's broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign military technologies and foster a robust domestic defence industry.

By creating an R&D ecosystem that integrates industry and academia, the Ministry seeks to bolster the country's overall defence capabilities.

(KNN Bureau)