Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has exhorted startups and innovators to come up with new ideas to modernise the Armed Forces through research & innovation and contribute in making the nation strong, prosperous & ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Inaugurating Manthan 2022, an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), Ministry of Defence as part of 12th DefExpo, Rajnath Singh said, a large number of startups and innovators are venturing into the defence sector as the Government has created a robust ecosystem for their as well as the nation’s growth.

He stated that more than Rs 300 crore have been approved for over 100 iDEX winners to develop products/technologies in more than 50 technological areas, stressing that the iDEX initiative has changed the perception that defence production is only for big businesses and industrialists. “In the last 7-8 years, there has been a change in the consciousness of the nation, with greater focus on solutions and goals. Earlier, it was difficult for the youth to contribute in various fields, but initiatives such as iDEX have empowered our young entrepreneurs and given them wings to fly. iDEX, a major iniative towards making India self-reliant, is a platform to provide economic support to entrepreneurs to develop state-of-the-art technologies,” he said.

Rajnath Singh lauded iDEX for winning the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration last year and achieving new heights of success since its launch by the Prime Minister during DefExpo 2018. He added that iDEX is a popular initiative of the Ministry of Defence and has encouraged other ministries to adopt innovative schemes. Calling iDEX ‘innovation for innovation’, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that it has encouraged the entrepreneurial potential of the country, which was not able to emerge previously due to policy restrictions. He added that the initiative has helped aspiring start-ups and innovators to come forward and work with other stakeholders in the defence sector. Terming iDEX a movement to work for the nation, Shri Rajnath Singh said, the combined efforts of the government and innovators have created a positive ripple effect in the economy.

Elaborating further, the Raksha Mantri stated that iDEX creates direct and indirect employment opportunities and is useful for both job seekers and job creators. He highlighted that since the inception of iDEX, over 6,000 applications have been received in the last seven editions of Defence India Start-up Challenge and Open Challenge. He also shed light on iDEX Prime which was launched to provide Grant-in-Aid support worth up to Rs 10 crore.

On the growth of iDEX, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the platform now has a presence in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and is connecting with incubators across India. He called for focussing on the twin principles of disperse more and gather more to further expand the reach of the initiative to different parts of the country, with the aim to connect with more young ignited minds. He exuded confidence that iDEX will show the way forward for innovation in untouched areas and help in all-round development of the defence sector.

Manthan 2022 was aimed at bringing together start-ups, corporates, and military representatives, to ascertain the indigenous innovations leading the Indian defence sector into a bright future. It provided a unique opportunity for innovators associated with iDEX-DIO to showcase their capabilities, products and state-of-the-art technologies to the target audience of the industry leaders. During the event, it was highlighted that the results for 75 challenges under DISC 7 (SPRINT) and PRIME (SPRINT) were announced in a record time of under two months; 118 winners across 75 challenges were announced by iDEX – DIO. The winners of DISC 6, DISC 7 SPRINT, OC 4 & OC 5 were felicitated.

The event also featured a panel discussion with industry stalwarts, and the leaders from Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces on the trending topic – ‘Harnessing Start-up Innovation in India for Space Technologies’. A static exhibition of a large array of start-ups supported by iDEX-DIO was displayed to the attendees.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and other senior officials from the central & state government as well as industry representatives were present on the occasion.

Defence Secretary Inaugurates HAL’s Indigenisation Stall

Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, inaugurated the HAL Indigenisation Stall at the ongoing DefExpo 2022.

More than 200 items which are planned to be indigenized with private industries are at display at the HAL Indigenisation Stall. Apart from this, more than 26 parts which are already indigenised by HAL are displayed at the stall.

HAL Releases Orders Worth Rs 52 Crore

Laying major thrust towards Indigenisation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) released Project Sanction Orders to domestic Indian Partners to the tune of Rs 52 Crore, at the on-going DefExpo 2022 here today.

Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, handed over the Orders to Industry partners at a programme held at the HAL Stall, in the presence of Mr C B Ananthakrishnan, CMD, HAL. The domestic Indian partners will now manufacture the LRUs which were being imported till now.

The Indian industry partners will indigenously design and develop parts like Infra-Red Radiation Suppression Systems, Engine Air Intake Particle Separator, Emergency Flotation System and Night Vision Goggles for Light Utility Helicopter and others.

The Defence Secretary also launched the Indigenisation Supplier Relationship Management Portal (I-SuRe) on the occasion. The portal is the new digital initiative to boost the indigenization initiatives of HAL and will facilitate faster collaboration between HAL and the Indian industry partners.

HAL has strategically shifted from Transfer of Technology based manufacturing system to indigenous development by involving industry partners. The success stories in indigenising 75 items are captured in the form of the Album. The Defence Secretary released the album.

Tata Delivers 200th Chinook Subassemblies to Boeing

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has successfully delivered the 200th Crown and Tail-cone for Boeing’s CH-47 helicopter. The CH-47 Chinook is one of the world’s most advanced multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopters. Manufactured by TASL in Hyderabad, the parts of the CH-47 helicopters will be integrated at Boeing’s facility in Philadelphia.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Sukaran Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, “TASL is a proud partner to Boeing for the CH-47 programme. Since the first assembly line for the Crown and Tail-cone in 2017, TASL has built and delivered multiple configurations to multiple countries and for multiple missions, globally. TASL’s world class quality and delivery mechanism has helped in forging a strong relationship with Boeing on both military and commercial platforms.This partnership reflects our continued commitment to develop an aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem in India”

“This is a significant milestone and a testimony of our commitment to strengthen the manufacturing capabilities of the Indian aerospace and defence industry along with our strategic partners,” said Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India. “The future looks promising, and Boeing’s vision for India continues to be to bring the best of Boeing to India and take the best of India to the world,” he added.

TASL has delivered the Crown and Tail-cone for CH-47 Chinook helicopters for the U.S. Army and other international customers. The CH-47 Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter operated by the U.S. Army and 18 other defence forces around the world. In June 2017, TASL had also delivered the first crown and tail cone parts for one of the 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters for delivery to the Indian Air Force.\

Ashok Leyland demonstrates three advanced products 

Ashok Leyland, Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, today showcased three advanced-technology products and solutions at the ongoing DefExpo India 2022, India’s premier defence exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Defence at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Col Sonam Wangchuk, a Kargil War Hero and recipient of Maha Vir Chakra, 2nd Highest Gallantry Award, unveiled “JEET 4x4”, an all-new Light General Service Vehicle, Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured by Ashok Leyland. Mr. Rajesh R, Vice President – Defence & Power Solutions Business, Ashok Leyland unveiled and launched other products in the presence of senior dignitaries from Indian Army and MoD.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “We continue to evolve as a trusted partner to the Indian armed forces in providing end-to-end solutions in the area of mobility. The products showcased today demonstrate our team’s capability and an innate understanding of the arduous operating conditions.  We endeavor to expand our portfolio of products and solutions and contribute significantly towards the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.”

Speaking at the DefExpo 2022, Mr. Rajesh R, Vice President – Defence & Power Solutions Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “At the DefExpo, we are delighted to present our next generation capabilities for the Defence forces, keeping in view their anticipated mobility trends. These advanced technology solutions developed by our in-house R&D would also address the growing demand for resource efficiency and optimization.”

Details of Ashok Leyland showcase* at the DefExpo India 2022:

 1.      JEET 4x4: ‘JEET 4x4’ is developed on a proven vehicle platform, most suitable for General Service (GS) role. The vehicle is well equipped to perform optimally in hills, high altitude, cross country, plains, and desert terrain. The vehicle also employs contemporary technology in all its system.

 2.      LBPV 4x4: Light Bullet Proof Vehicle 4x4 is a versatile platform, indigenously designed and developed to carry small team of 06 combat soldiers into various tactical missions ranging from Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorist operations for Reconnaissance, Quick Reaction, and Patrolling. LBPV is designed for all-terrain mobility with armored protection and fitted with a weapon mount to operate independently in the battle field. Features like all wheel Independent Suspension, ABS, Ride Height Management and many more options makes it a class apart. LBPV 4x4 is a World Class vehicle ‘Made-in-India’.

 3.      Tank T72 GB Assembly aggregates: These are gear boxes for Tank T-72, called ‘Ajeya’ in India. Ashok Leyland will begin to manufacture sub-assemblies and sub-components including the gear boxes for the Tank T72.

Dassault Systèmes Showwcases 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Dassault Systèmes today announced its participation in the 12th edition of DefExpo 2022, which will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022. The company will showcase its role as a vital contributor in empowering self-reliance in the Indian defence eco-system with virtual twins. It will demonstrate the application of its 3DEXPERIENCE platform in the Aerospace and Defence industry, to harness virtual technologies for driving real-world innovation, productivity and profitability. 

With virtual twins of submarines and aircraft, Dassault Systèmes will enable the event attendees to explore the following at its DefExpo 2022 exhibit (Hall 12, Booth 12):

•    Managing Customer and Supply Chain Networks: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and tier 1 suppliers have to reinvent the way they work with the supply chain. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables digital continuity and connects the entire extended enterprise — all functions, suppliers, and partners, which helps optimize manufacturing planning to accelerate, ramp up, and optimize production agility.

•    Managing Growing Complexities with Product Design: In recent times there has been a profound increase in the level of complexity that defence companies face with complex systems. Model-based systems engineering enabled by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform simplifies product complexity by enabling the entire framework of defining requirements for product delivery on one holistic framework.

•    Accelerating Manufacturing Processes: As engineering revolutions cut across the design to manufacturing process, collaboration and automation have become extremely crucial. By virtually collaborating in the early critical design phase, each detectable change ultimately reduces costs and increases the success rate of the overall defense program. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables seamless collaboration in connecting virtual products in the design stage to the manufactured product on the shop floor with digital precision that meets quality and flexible production schedule requirements.

•  “Build for Sea”: This industry solution experience helps shipyards in achieving full digital continuity and traceability, from engineering, production planning, and simulation to actual construction with inventory, material flow, time and labor management. Shipyards can apply advanced lean manufacturing principles to implement more agile manufacturing operations that can improve their capacity and productivity. With “Build for Sea,” production, supply chain and planning executives have a single source of information to optimize production schedules and yard resources, manage digital work orders, and efficiently manage manufacturing execution.

• Virtual Twin Experience enabling Defense Modernization: Virtual immersive walkthrough of any defense-related platform, be it under water/marine or aircraft scenarios, to enable better, informed decisions for maintenance, repair and training.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a business experience platform for knowledge and know-how, a game-changer collaborative environment that empowers businesses and people to innovate in an entirely new way. The platform enables social and collaborative interactions, 3D modeling, simulation and optimization, and information intelligence. It serves eleven distinct industries with tailored industry solutions to address the specific regulations and challenges of each.

BEL signs MoU with MIL

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with Munitions India Limited (MIL), a Defence PSU, to jointly address the requirements of Indian Defence and Export markets in the areas of Ammunition, Explosives and related systems.

Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, Director (Other Units), BEL, and Mr S K Rout, Director (Operations), MIL, exchanged the MoU documents at Defexpo today in the presence of Mr Ravi Kant, CMD, MIL, Mr Joydeep Majumder, Executive Director, BEL and other senior officers of BEL and MIL.  

The MoU aims at leveraging the complementary strengths and capabilities of BEL and MIL and strengthens the spirit of the Make In India initiative of Government of India, for achieving self-reliance in Defence Sector. The co-operation will enable the companies to   jointly address the domestic and Export opportunities in the areas of Ammunition, Explosives and related systems and sub systems.

About  MIL

MIL is a DPSU under Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of lndia. MIL, India’s largest manufacturer & market leader, is engaged in the design, development and manufacture of various types of ammunition and explosives including Small, Medium and High Caliber ammunition, Mortars, Rockets, Hand Grenades, High Explosives, Propellants, Initiathe tory Compositions etc.

Bharat Forge Signs MoU With General Atomics

Companies to collaborate for Indian Navy Lithium-Ion Battery System for naval platforms/submarines Program

Bharat Forge Ltd., the world’s leading technology solutions provider and forging company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with General Atomics, US, a global leader in the research, design, and manufacture of a diverse portfolio of electromagnetic and advanced power and energy technologies.  Under the terms of the MOU, Bharat Forge and General Atomics’ Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS) will collaborate for Lithium-Ion Battery System for naval platforms/submarines to address the requirements of Indian Navy. The parties have also agreed to partner with each other in the area of permanent magnet motors.

Speaking on the occasion, Baba Kalyani, Chairman Kalyani Group said, “We have been relentlessly working towards bringing niche technologies in the country with the aim of making Indian self-reliant in defence verticals. GA is a market leader for in-service Li-Ion Battery solutions for naval platforms/submarines and and our partnership with General Atomics is a firm step in the direction to develop Make in India solutions for Indian Navy and setting up a strong defence technology and manufacturing vertical within India.”

“We look forward to working with Bharat Forge to meet the requirements of Indian Navy. Our Li-Ion battery system has been developed after 10 years of rigorous R&D. Instead of the usual ‘fault prevention’, our design philosophy is based on assuming a fault and requiring fault containment’, which has made our system extremely safe and reliable”, stated Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “We are committed to working with companies like Bharat Forge, whose reputation for excellence and dedication to quality is synergistic with ours, as we continue to deliver technology innovations and cutting-edge systems for undersea and surface platforms.”

BEL, Triton Electric Vehicle (TEV) sign MOU

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with Triton Electric Vehicle (TEV), for manufacture of Hydrogen Fuel cells by BEL with technology transfer from TEV, to meet the requirements of Indian market and mutually agreed export markets.

The MoU aims at tapping the demand for clean energy solutions for various applications including for E- Mobility, by leveraging Government of India’s thrust for adoption of clean energy fuels for applications in transport , energy storage etc.

Triton Electric Vehicle LLC, the young and most enterprising Electric Vehicle company headquartered in Cherry Hill, New Jersey-USA, recently set up its R&D centre and manufacturing facility in India with best-in-class infrastructure and expertise. The company has recently forayed into Hydrogen run vehicles and has started the journey of manufacturing Hydrogen-run Two-Wheelers, Three-Wheelers and Buses.

Defence Secretary holds bilateral meetings with African nations 

As a part of DefExpo 2022, the 2nd India-Africa Defence Dialogue was organised in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on October 18, 2022. The Defence Secretary held a number of bilateral meetings with delegations from African nations on this day.

A bilateral meeting was conducted with Lt Gen Isman Mohamed Hassan Karar, Secretary General MoD, Sudan. Lt Gen Rashad Abdelhamid Ismail Abdalla, Sudan Army Chief was also present. The ongoing defence cooperation issues and potential areas for future cooperation were discussed. 

A Zambia delegation led by Mr Norman Chipakupaku, Permanent Secretary, MoD Zambia met Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. Issues relating to training and capacity building were discussed, in addition to the review of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation.

Dr Ajay Kumar also met the Niger delegation led by Brigadier General Diddilli Amadou, Secretary General of the Defence Minister, Niger. Potential areas for defence cooperation between the two nations were deliberated.

A Mali delegation led by Maj Gen Sidiki Samake, Secretary General  of the Department met the Defence Secretary.  They discussed potential defence cooperation including defence industrial  cooperation issues.