Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 16, 2024 7:24 pm GMT
The future of defense technology in India is being shaped by ongoing discussions and innovations at the 11th Engineers Conclave, which began on September 26, 2024. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) have brought together leaders from various fields to explore two key themes: Additive Manufacturing for Defence Applications and Defence Manufacturing Technologies.
Conclave Overview
Taking place at the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, this two-day event aims to foster collaboration among engineers, scientists, academicians, and industry leaders. The objective is to create a supportive ecosystem for the development of high-quality indigenous defense systems.
The conclave kicked off with an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
- Dr. Anil Kakodkar – Former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission
- Dr. Samir V Kamat – Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO
- Shri G.A. Srinivasa Murthy – Director of DRDL (Hyderabad)
- Shri U. Raja Babu – Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems
- Prof. Indranil Manna – President of INAE
These leaders underscored the importance of advancing indigenous technologies and manufacturing processes that can significantly boost India’s defense capabilities.
Key Discussions
The focus of the conclave revolved around two main topics crucial to future military operations:
Additive Manufacturing for Defence Applications
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is an innovative technology that allows for rapid prototyping and production of defense components. During the discussions:
- Experts highlighted how this technology can reduce production times and costs.
- They also explored the potential for customized parts that improve functionality and effectiveness in defense scenarios.
Defence Manufacturing Technologies
This discussion centered on strategies to enhance domestic defense production. Critical issues included:
- Establishing Standards: Creating uniform quality standards for defense products.
- Global Best Practices: Adopting practices that are currently successful in the global defense sector.
- Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between government agencies, industries, and academia to strengthen local capabilities.
Networking and Collaboration
The conclave provided a vital networking platform. Stakeholders from various sectors had the chance to connect and collaborate on creating a self-reliant defense industry. Dushant Kumar, Chief General Manager of Ordnance Factory Chandigarh, emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders. He stated, “We must synergize towards self-reliance in high-quality indigenous military systems.”
Participants could also explore the latest technologies and products showcased by leading companies. This aspect of the conclave emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with technological advancements in defense.
Panel Discussions
A notable feature of the event was a panel discussion titled “Partnerships and Indigenization of Defence Technologies: Strategies for Building National Capabilities and Self-Reliance.” Experts from various sectors shared their insights, discussing how to effectively build national capabilities through collaboration and innovation.
Key points from the discussion included:
- Addressing Challenges: Identifying and overcoming current obstacles in defense production.
- Fostering Innovation: Encouraging new ideas to enhance efficiency and capabilities.
- Global Cooperation: While focusing on indigenization, acknowledging the need for partnerships with international players to gain expertise and technology.
Conclusion
The 11th Engineers Conclave serves as an essential gathering for those involved in India’s defense sector. With an emphasis on indigenisation and emerging technologies, this event aims to strengthen India’s defense manufacturing base.
As the world evolves, so too must India’s approach to defense. The conclave supports the government’s vision of creating a self-reliant defense sector, capable of meeting both current and future challenges. By fostering collaboration and innovative practices, the discussions that take place at this event hold great potential to reshape the defense landscape in India.
If you want to learn more about the event and the technologies that were talked about, check out DRDO’s official website.
