“To achieve the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat and to enhance our combat strength, it is necessary to promote indigenous defence manufacturing. For this, the private defence companies like Solar Group will play a major role,” said Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) while interacting with media on Thursday. Dr Kamat was in the city to inaugurate Pyrotechnic Composition and Delay Element manufacturing facility in Solar Industries.

 

“After announcement of Atmanirbhar Bharat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the private companies proved its calibre in defence sector and ‘Operation Sindoor’ is a perfect example of indigenisation,” said Dr Kamat. Referring to the recent conflict with Pakistan, Dr Kamat expressed satisfaction over the performance of DRDO-developed weapons systems, which were reportedly deployed during the operations. “Based on media reports and feedback from the armed forces, I am satisfied with the performance of our systems. However, we must also learn lessons from this conflict to improve our systems further and introduce newer technologies to meet the emerging challenges of modern warfare,” he noted. Dr Kamat added that DRDO is currently working on several advanced systems, including missiles, air-based weapons, naval systems, and various sensors, particularly those designed for drone detection and neutralisation. “I am confident these systems will be inducted into service within six months to one year. They will significantly enhance the capabilities of our armed forces to fight future wars,” he added.

 

The DRDO Chairman also mentioned about upcoming projects like the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPA-TGM), the Vertically Launched-Short-Range Surface-To-Air Missile (VLR-SAM), heavy-weight torpedoes, precision-guided munitions, and a range of advanced land and sea mines, which are in advanced stages of development or trials. Elaborating the role of Solar Group, Chairman of Solar Industries India Limited Satyanarayan Nuwal said, “The war pattern is changing, if we look at Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Ukraine. Recently, we manufactured five types of Nagastra (drones). Nagastra-1 was used (in the India-Pakistan conflict). Three variants of Nagastra-1, which are Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3, are in the trial phase. I believe it will play a significant role in the current conflict.” Dr Kamat reviewed the manufacturing processes of various defence products being developed by Solar Industries. Solar Industries is a leading indigenous defence manufacturing company contributing to India’s self-reliance in defence production.