Aero India 2023 | Developing critical defence components indigenously: DRDO chief

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on developing a precision guidance kit, a seat-ejection system for the pilots, and pyrotechnic cartridges, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has said.

The DRDO is also coming up with an engine for its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Tapas.

“We are working on the precision guidance kit. We have developed the seat-ejection system, a life-saving product for the pilots, and several pyrotechnic cartridges,” Kamat told reporters on Tuesday (February 14) at the Yelahanka Air Force Base, where the 14th edition of the biennial Aero India-2023 is underway.

#WATCH | When asked about the major Make in India offerings that the DRDO is going to give to the armed forces in near future, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat says, "…Several of our systems are now maturing and over the next few years, most of the systems will be indigenous." pic.twitter.com/Pp6yS2nvLH

— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2023

Indigenously-developed engine for UAV

The premier defence organisation has also indigenously developed an engine with 180 HP capacity for the UAV Tapas. “This engine has been indigenously developed and very soon, maybe in two months, it will be a part of Tapas. It can go up to 17,000 ft altitude and it has worked satisfactorily,” he said.

Also read: Maiden flight test of DRDO’s long-range interceptor missile successful

The DRDO chief said the organisation had displayed 321 products at the Aero India show, including some critical components. “In the Aero India, we have showcased some of our air-delivered bombs and many are on display,” he added.

(With Agency inputs)