MAJOR CHALLENGE IS AVAILABILITY OF PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Q/ With high-tech weapons changing modern warfare, which are the focus areas of research at DRDO?

- SANJIB KR BARUAH

A/ DRDO has identified nine thrust areas for focused research—platforms, weapon systems, strategic systems, sensors and communication systems, space, cyber security, artificial intelligence and robotics, material and devices, and soldier support. DRDO has been interacting with various defence ecosystem stakeholders to foster industry-academia cooperation to develop new technologies.

Q/ What is the progress in the development of UAS?

A/ In the smaller drone category (<100kg class), the country has the capability to design and develop indigenously for both civil and defence applications. Many private industries have already demonstrated that capability by supplying to civil and military organisations.