Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar sets ambitious vision for DRDO scientists

NEW DELHI: Citing a vision of one billion dollars' worth of exports of technology products developed by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in the next few years, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar addressed scientists from the organization at the 39th Directors' Conference here on Wednesday.

While he urged the research giant to involve the industry in the production of some technologies, at the same time he also urged the scientist to factor in the requirements of the armed forces. He also appreciated the mature relationship that the India Navy enjoys with the organization wishing to see a similar interface with the air force and army.

To maintain economic efficiency Parrikar also voiced concern over duplication of activities by Laboratories under DRDO, urging the Cluster Heads to take greater initiative. He asked the scientists not to rest on laurels but seek greater heights in innovation and technology.

While Dr S Christopher, Director General DRDO said this year was marked by several achievements in different clusters, he did express concern over the allocation of budget which did hamper the growth of the organization. "There is a need for enhanced budget and augmentation of scientific manpower. A mere 5-6 per cent of defence budget for R&D is inadequate to meet the aspirations of India's defence needs especially when China spends about 20 per cent of their defence budget for R&D."

Among those present for the function included the Chief of Air Staff and Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan and Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri Dr G Satheesh Reddy.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha also lauded the efforts of the organization in the past seven decades, urging greater involvement between the tri-services and DRDO to ensure a 'joint development road map'.