India 10-15 years behind in traditional technologies, says DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat
Bengaluru: DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has highlighted that India is lagging behind by 10-15 years in traditional technologies compared to most countries. Speaking at the 15th Air Chief Marshal LM Khatre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, Kamat emphasised the need for academia, DRDO, and industry to work collaboratively rather than in isolation to tackle emerging challenges.
Kamat stressed the importance of capacity-building, particularly in engineering education. He pointed out that while India produces a large number of engineers, many lack the necessary skills for research and development (R&D) work. “We need to upgrade our infrastructure, provide hands-on experience, and pay professors more to equip students for cutting-edge research,” he stated.
Referring to India’s focus on disruptive technologies, Kamat expressed optimism that the country could leapfrog and close the technological gap. He also mentioned that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a twin-engine combat aircraft, is expected to be delivered by 2028.
Kamat discussed the Ministry of Defence's approval of the Technology Development Fund (TDP), which aims to support high-risk projects similar to the US’ Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). He urged for an increase in India’s defence R&D budget, noting that India currently spends 0.65% of its GDP on the sector, far behind the US and China.
Regarding DRDO’s future projects, Kamat mentioned plans for high-end autonomous vehicles, robotic soldiers, and light tanks, the latter of which is in the prototype stage and expected to be delivered to the Indian Army by 2027.
Kamat also reflected on the challenges faced in the development of the Kaveri engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Tejas, calling it a “rookie mistake.” He explained that the engine did not deliver the required thrust, and the mistake was in designing the platform and engine simultaneously, rather than developing a platform around an available engine. To reduce risks in future engine development, DRDO is exploring collaboration with international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Safran, Rolls-Royce, and General Electric. Both Safran and Rolls-Royce have assured that intellectual property will remain with India during collaborative development, which will significantly enhance the country's capabilities.
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DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania
Vilnius (AP/PTI): A DHL cargo plane crashed Monday morning near the Lithuanian capital.
The Lithuanian airport authority identified the aircraft as a “DHL cargo plane flying from Leipzig, Germany, to Vilnius Airport.”
It posted on the social platform X that city services including a fire truck were on site.
DHL Group, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, did not immediately return a call for comment.
