DRDO’s VRDE transfers key defence vehicle technologies to industry partners
June 9, 2025 | Monday | News
The technology transfer initiative supports the Government of India’s vision of fostering robust collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities
In a significant step toward strengthening India’s self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem, the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory based in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, has transferred nine critical defence vehicle technologies to 10 industry partners. The Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (ToT) were formally handed over during an event held at VRDE, in the presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO.
The technology transfer initiative supports the Government of India’s vision of fostering robust collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
The following technologies were transferred to their respective industry partners:
CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II – Bharat Electronics Limited
Mounted Gun System – Bharat Forge Limited
Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked Version) – Metaltech Motor Bodies Pvt. Ltd.
Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for MBT Arjun Mk-1A – BEML Limited, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Pvt. Ltd., John Galt International
Expandable Mobile Shelter – Bharat Electronics Limited
Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle – Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun – BEML Limited
Unit Repair Vehicle for MBT Arjun – BEML Limited
Multi-Purpose Decontamination System – Dass Hitachi Limited, Goma Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
In addition to the technology transfers, VRDE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune, to collaborate on cutting-edge and emerging technologies. This academic-industry-government synergy is expected to drive innovation, skill development, and R&D in the defence sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Samir V. Kamat complimented DRDO and the industry for the exceptional performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor. He urged the industry to plan for surge capacity to meet future operational demands and lauded VRDE’s contribution to developing high-end technological solutions for land systems and weapon platforms.
The event was also graced by Prof. (Dr) Prateek Kishore, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering) Cluster, DRDO; G. Ramamohana Rao, Director, VRDE; other senior DRDO scientists; and representatives from partnering industries.
