Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, has transferred three advanced materials technologies to Indian industry partners. The Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) documents were handed over at an event in Hyderabad.
Key Highlights
This step marks a major milestone in Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance in defence manufacturing) by ensuring indigenous availability of critical materials for missile, naval, and aerospace applications.
Additionally, a pact was signed with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Ministry of Civil Aviation, for using DMRL’s expertise in supporting aviation accident investigations.
Key Technologies Transferred
1. High-Strength Radomes
- Transferred to: BHEL, Jagdishpur.
- Use: Radomes are protective covers for missile sensors, ensuring reliable performance of missile guidance systems.
- Significance: Enhances indigenous missile capability, reducing foreign dependency.
2. DMR-1700 Steel Sheets and Plates
- Transferred to: Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL), Angul.
- Properties: Ultra-high strength + high fracture toughness at room temperature.
- Application: Defence platforms requiring advanced structural materials.
3. DMR-249A HSLA Steel Plates
- Transferred to: Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), SAIL.
- HSLA = High Strength Low Alloy steel.
- Application: Naval vessels construction, meeting stringent physical, metallurgical, and dimensional standards.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens India’s self-reliance in critical materials for defence and naval applications.
- Accelerates indigenous defence production under “Make in India – Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
- Industry partnership ensures scalability & commercial deployment of advanced materials.
- Expands India’s defence metallurgy ecosystem for long-term strategic autonomy.
About DMRL
- Full Form: Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory.
- Established: 1963, Hyderabad.
- Parent Organisation: DRDO.
- Expertise: Development of alloys, special steels, ceramics, and composites for strategic sectors.
- Notable Contributions: Steels for submarines, tank armour, aerospace alloys, missile radomes.
About DRDO
- Full Form: Defence Research & Development Organisation.
- Founded: 1958.
- HQ: New Delhi.
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence.
- Motto: “Strength’s Origin is in Science.”
- Functions: Research, design, development, and production of defence technologies in missiles, aircraft, armaments, naval systems, life sciences, materials, and cyber technologies.
Key Facts
- Radome: Protective dome covering a radar antenna/missile sensor; must withstand heat, stress, and environmental factors while allowing radar signals to pass.
- HSLA Steel (High-Strength Low-Alloy): Special steel that combines strength, toughness, and weldability, widely used in defence, shipbuilding, and aerospace.
- BHEL: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, established 1964, under Ministry of Heavy Industries.
- JSPL: Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, a major Indian steel manufacturer.
- SAIL-BSP: Steel Authority of India Ltd, Bhilai Steel Plant – India’s largest steel plant, located in Chhattisgarh.
- AAIB: Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau – statutory body under Ministry of Civil Aviation, established in 2012 to probe civil aviation accidents.