India’s indigenously built UAV Rustom II during a test-flight. (DRDO photo for representation.)
New Delhi: India is set to significantly enhance its defence capabilities with the establishment of state-of-the-art testing facilities for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and communications. As part of its “Make in India” initiative, the government has signed an agreement to set up these facilities in Uttar Pradesh.
The Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), launched by the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, in May 2020, aims to promote “atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) by collaborating with private industry and central/state governments. With an outlay of ₹400 crore, the DTIS seeks to reduce imports and enhance indigenous defence production.
Now, under this scheme, three new facilities will be established in UP: one in Lucknow for mechanical and material testing, and two in Kanpur – one for UAS and another for communications. Their roles will be as follows:
Lucknow (Mechanical and Material Domain): This facility will focus on testing materials, components, and mechanical systems critical for defence applications.
Kanpur (Unmanned Aerial System Domain): The UAS testing facility will evaluate drones, sensors, and communication systems, contributing to advancements in surveillance, reconnaissance, and security.
Kanpur (Communications Domain): This facility will assess communication technologies, including secure networks and data transmission systems.
The move is expected to provide a substantial boost to India’s burgeoning UAV industry. The country has witnessed rapid growth in this sector, with numerous startups and established companies developing drones for various applications, including surveillance, agriculture, and logistics.
The new testing facility for UAS will provide a critical platform for these companies to test and refine their products.
Furthermore, the communications facility will contribute to strengthening India’s communication infrastructure, essential for modern warfare and disaster management. It will facilitate the development of secure and reliable communication systems for the armed forces and other critical sectors.
It may be noted that these testing facilities align with the defence industrial corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, fostering innovation and self-sufficiency. While the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed recently, a similar agreement for the Tamil Nadu corridor was inked earlier this month.
The Uttar Pradesh government has welcomed the decision, stating that it will create new job opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic growth. The facilities are expected to attract investments and foster a thriving ecosystem for defence research and development.
