ENA Sectors 2024-07-04 15:58:17 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jul 4 (KNN)</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The TDF, executed by DRDO, provides grants-in-aid for developing defence and dual-use technologies currently unavailable in India's defence industry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The program focuses on engaging private industries, particularly MSMEs and startups, to meet current and future needs of the Armed Forces.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Several successful projects have emerged from this initiative. Combat Robotics, a Pune-based startup, developed a multi-domain simulator for unmanned vehicles.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The projects contribute significantly to technological advancements in defence, with applications ranging from hazardous environment exploration to industrial inspections.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This move aligns with the country's broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign military technologies and foster a robust domestic defence industry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">By creating an R&amp;D ecosystem that integrates industry and academia, the Ministry seeks to bolster the country's overall defence capabilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 38471 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/defence-ministry-allocates-rs-300-cr-fund-for-technology-development-fund-tdf 2024-07-04 15:58:17 knnindia.co.in