Page 28 - ADT JANUARY 2021 Online Magazine

DRDO/DPSUs/OFB remain large sources of employment and retain [ REPORT ]
significant amounts of design, development and manufacturing
infrastructure and hence, the DAP 2020 features a separate ded-
icated chapter for acquisition of systems designed and developed Indigenous Developments
by them. New simplified procedures with Integrated Single Stage Drone Swarming capability was demonstrated
Trials will reduce developmental timelines with greater empha- publicly for the first time by the army in January,
sis on evaluation through certification and simulation. The use of when it carried out a live demonstration of the
indigenous military material will also be promoted, as will use of indigenously designed and developed drones
indigenous software encouraged for operating base applications on Army Day (January 15). The Indian Army is
like Fire Control Systems, Radars, Encryption, Communications now investing heavily on Artificial Intelligence
etc on indigenous software in Buy (Indian- IDDM) & Buy (Indian) (AI), Autonomous Weapon Systems, Quantum
cases. Technologies, Robotics, Cloud Computing and
Algorithm Warfare to meet modern warfighting
To further support growth of the defence sector, DRDO is now offer- philosophies. An array of AI enabled simulated
ing Indian industry the opportunity to partner with it as Development offensive missions and close support tasks
cum Production Partners (DcPP) and is offering its technology at were demonstrated by 75 drones. The army’s
nominal cost with free access to its patents. In the last five years AI Offensive Drone Operations project is being
(2014-19), DRDO has delivered Sonars, Radars, Software Defined incubated with an Indian Start Up.
Radios (SDR), Missile Systems, Gun Systems, Munitions, Bridging
Equipment, etc, which feature significant indigenous content. A Small arms development has been one area,
small sampling of the defence equipment designed and developed where success has not come easily, however,
by the DRDO, approved for procurement by the Defence Acquisition there are now promising signs for a new DRDO
Council (DAC) includes the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air developed 5.56x30 mm Protective Carbine.
Missile (BVRAAM), Smart Anti Field Weapon (SAAW), Long Range The new weapon successfully completed
Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM), etc. Another opportunity Final User Trials in December 2020, meeting
for Indian industry is the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) target to the Indian Army’s demanding General Staff
indigenize 5,000 spares currently being imported. For FY 2020-21, Qualitative Requirements (GSQR). An army
1502 items are targeted to be indigenized, out of which 849 items contract is soon expected. The weapon has
have been indigenized as on date. also passed trials with the Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) trials and procurement action has
already been initiated by Central Armed Police
Forces (CAPF) and various State police forces.
The 5.56 x 30 mm protective carbine was first
unveiled at DefExpo 2020. The Gas Operated
Semi Bull-pup automatic weapon weighs three
kg and has a rate of fire of 700 rpm, an effective
range of more than 100 m. With its ergonomic
design low recoil, retractable buttstock, single
hand firing capability, and multiple Picatinny
rails, the weapon is well suited for a Counter
Insurgency /Counter Terrorism operations.
The new carbine will be manufactured at Small
Arms Factory, Kanpur while its ammunition
will be produced at Ammunition Factory, Kirkee
Pune.

The first consignment of indigenously devel-
oped 40 mm UBGL ammunition was delivered

28 | January 2021 WWW .GBP .COM.SG/ ADT