India 

DRDO and IIT-Bhubaneswar collaborate on defense technology projects, aiming to advance research in electronics warfare, AI surveillance, and radar systems, contributing to India's self-reliance and security goals.

In a significant development aimed at bolstering India's defense capabilities, the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar (IIT-Bhubaneswar). This partnership marks a crucial step towards advancing research and development in defense applications, fostering innovation, and contributing to the nation's self-reliance goals.

At a recent meeting, nine projects from the ECS cluster were handed over to IIT-Bhubaneswar, with seven more projects currently in the pipeline. These projects, with a combined funding of Rs 18 crore, will focus on areas such as electronics warfare, AI-driven surveillance, power systems, and radar systems. The collaboration aims to harness the expertise of both institutions to address the evolving needs of defense technology.

Speaking about the collaboration, SR Samantaray, Head of Electrical Science School at IIT-Bhubaneswar, highlighted its significance in meeting the future requirements of the country's defense sector. He emphasized the role of collaborative efforts in enhancing research sustainability and fostering innovation, thereby contributing to the nation-building process.

Binay K Das, Director General of ECS at DRDO, underscored the organization's shift towards becoming technology enablers and setting standards for the Indian Armed Forces and global counterparts. He emphasized the importance of the collaboration and expressed optimism about the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at IIT-Bhubaneswar, which would play a pivotal role in driving innovation in defense technology.

Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT-Bhubaneswar, emphasized the evolution of IITs beyond knowledge generation towards practical applications and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with DRDO as a step towards excellence in defense research and development, stressing the role of research scholars in fostering innovative ideas.

DRDO officials reiterated their commitment to collaborating with academia and industry to advance research projects from conceptualization to application. These collaborations aim to develop cutting-edge technologies that will elevate India to international standards in defense technology.

In conclusion, the collaboration between DRDO and IIT-Bhubaneswar signifies a strategic partnership aimed at driving innovation, fostering research excellence, and strengthening India's defense capabilities. Through joint efforts and shared expertise, both institutions are poised to make significant contributions to the defense sector, ultimately advancing the nation's security interests.