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 DRDO
displayed advanced defence technologies with display
of life size models of strategic missiles Agni,
Prithvi, Akash and BrahMos pointing proudly to
the sky; real exhibits of electronic warfare systems,
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle- AUV, Robotic Mules,
mini-UAV Netra, Battlefield Surveillance radar,
Night Vision devices and other models and exhibits
gave thousands of visitors an enthralling experience.
There was also a live demonstration of a mini-UAV,
Netra, a surveillance platform in the hands of
military as well as paramilitary forces. It reminded
the viewers of the popular Hindi movie “3 Idiots”.
The indoor models at the exposition covered the
entire gamut of R&D in DRDO and included models
of India’s own Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, UAVs
NISHANT and Lakshya, Bridging systems Sarvatra
and BLT T-72, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Torpedoes
and Decoys. Military Communication equipment,
Night Vision Devices, Microwave Devices, NBC protective
systems, Agro-animal technologies and Packaged
Foods.
Thousands of people, particularly students,
visited the DRDO pavilion and were encouraged
to interact with DRDO scientists. There were 250
exhibits and models from 27 DRDO labs with scientists
present to engage visitors in the lively discussions
on science and technologies in this strategic
sector for national security and the excitement
of scientific challenges to the young creative
minds.
Another highlight of DRDO’s presence in the
99th ISC was the special session on Nuclear, Biological
and Chemical (NBC) defence chaired by Dr W Selvamurthy,
Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller (R&D),
where he gave an overview of the several DRDO
technologies and products that are being used
by the Army, Navy and Air Force and informed that
indigenous items made up nearly 85 per cent of
the inventory.
DRDO has developed many NBC safety products,
including a Recce Vehicle to monitor and demarcate
the contaminated area and transmit the data to
command and control centres for further planning,
response and management. Then, there are the NBC
water purification systems, self-contained underground
field shelters to house about 30 men for four
days, highly effective antigen kits, individual
protective suits and respiratory management and
resuscitation devices.
Sixty four products/systems have been developed
for early detection, personnel protection, decontamination
and medical management.
Dr Selvamurthy informed the audience about the
many DRDO collaborative programs with other agencies
like the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National
Disaster Management Authority. Many of DRDO products
have applications in the civil areas, and several
business opportunities have been created through
DRDO technologies in both the public and private
sectors.
The DRDO participation in the Indian Science
Congress reaffirmed the message to masses, especially
the youth, that strength of Science and Knowledge
and the resultant self-reliance by converting
this knowledge into technologies as well as innovations,
are essential to ensure peace and national security.
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