Defence Expo 2016: Not threatened by new DPP giving benefit to private players, says DRDO

QUEPEM (GOA): Clearing the air over discomfort with new DPP giving a benefit of ease of doing business to the private players, DRDO’S Director General S Christopher said, “We are not at all threatened by the private players, as the new defence policy gives DRDO a chance to collaborate with private players from day one.” “We don’t see private players as competition,” he said.

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Christopher said that DRDO has in the past been comfortable in collaborating with other public sector units, but we will look forward in collaborating with private players now. DRDO is focusing on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Create in India’, he said at Defence Expo 2016.

J Manjula, Director General said that DRDO’s stronger technology base gives it an edge over the private players.

Responding to a separate query, DRDO said that we always look at possibility of utilising newer technology for improving upon the AGNI missile series. However, it refused to comment on whether there will be an addition to the AGNI missile series.

DRDO also said that the design of LCA Tejas MK II is expected to get completed by 2018. Christopher mentioned that DRDO is eyeing export potential for its products once the indigenous need is met.