New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday exhorted the private sector to move ahead from imitative to innovative technology so as to cater to the futuristic needs of the Armed Forces.
He launched the second edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 2.0) challenges and the 12th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12) during DefConnect 4.0 at Manekshaw Centre, here.
In his address, the Defence Minister pointed out that as soon as the government, came to power in 2014, it identified ‘lack of private sector participation in the defence sector’ as a major hurdle in attaining self-reliance and strived to increase their contribution in nation building.
“There were two major dimensions of self-reliance in the defence sector. First was the manufacturing of arms / equipment, whose technology was available, but there was a lack of production capacity. Second was catering to the needs of high-technology applications in view of the constantly-changing nature of warfare. Earlier, only in-house R&D and organisations like DRDO were working towards the development of such cutting-edge technologies. But now, we are witnessing a significant role of the private sector, too. There is enhanced synergy between the public and private sectors, the biggest example of which is DefConnect,” he said.
He commended DefConnect for playing a crucial role in developing the culture of innovation in the country.
Enumerating the feats achieved due to the government’s efforts to promote innovation, Singh informed that iDEX has received over 9,000 applications so far, and is currently collaborating with more than 450 start-ups and MSMEs through DISC and Open Challenge.
He said that 26 products have been developed under iDEX, for which procurement orders worth more than Rs 1,000 crore have been placed. In addition, Acceptance of Necessity and Request for Proposal worth over Rs 2,380 crore have been issued for 37 products.
The ADITI initiative is focusing on over 30 critical and strategic technologies to strengthen the defence ecosystem, he said.
He stated that the platform is bringing a new energy to the defence industrial ecosystem, and making the nation’s talent a partner in strengthening the security apparatus.
Terming DefConnect as an important link between all the stakeholders associated with the defence ecosystem, Singh exuded confidence that the platform will help in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.
The Defence Minister highlighted the vibrant and dynamic ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists and start-ups in the country, stating that the world is acknowledging the strength and talent of India’s youth.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to further enhance the role of the private sector in the defence ecosystem. Asserting that their involvement is necessary to achieve self-reliance.
On the new technologies being incorporated in wars and conflicts, Singh said apart from conventional arms and ammunition, many dual use or purely civilian tech is being weaponised.
He called for an in-depth understanding of these technologies, exhorting the innovators to make imaginative use of the advancements for the defence of the nation.
Stressing on the need to move forward from imitative to innovative and distinctive technologies, he called upon the private sector to think beyond the solutions to challenges being provided through ADITI and DISC.
He urged them to bring forth the tech which is far ahead of the requirements of the Armed Forces and would be beneficial to deal with future threats.
He also promised the government’s full assistance to achieve the goal of a strong and self-reliant defence sector.
On the occasion, the Defence Minister also felicitated the ADITI 1.0 winners, and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours.
The event was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, OSD, Department of Defence R K Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat and others.
UNI
