Technopark, IIT Kanpur joins hands with UAS Testing Foundation, Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation for defence testing infra

IIT Kanpur Research and Technology Park Foundation (Technopark @IITK) on Monday announced that it has entered into agreements with special purpose vehicles UAS Testing Foundation and Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation to establish state-of-the-art defence testing infrastructure.

Thes facilities will focus on two critical domains of defence – unmanned aerial systems and communication systems.

In February 2018, Prime Minister Modi had announced the establishment of two defence corridors in India—the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).


The testing infrastructure will be established under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme——an initiative of the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence (MoD)--which aims to provide accessible and high-quality testing facilities to address the needs of the domestic defence industry.

“R&D (research and development) and testing are among the most resource-intensive activities in the defence industry. To address these needs, the MoD approved the establishment of advanced testing facilities, two of which will be located in the Kanpur defence node,” said Col. Sanjay Singh, chief general manager, UPDIC. “These testing centres are also envisioned to evolve into certification centres in the future, a role currently exclusive to defence agencies.”

Amarendra Singh, professor-in-charge, Technopark@IITK, said, “This facility represents a win-win for both industry and academia. On one hand, the state-of-the-art machines and high-end equipment will be accessible to our faculty and students for research. On the other hand, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) utilising this facility will have the opportunity to leverage IITK’s technical expertise to address their R&D challenges.”

The proposed DTI UAS facility will span 11,500 square feet, whereas the communications systems facility will cover 9,000 sq ft. Both will be supported by ancillary infrastructure, including office spaces, within the Technopark@IITK premises.

The UAS Testing Foundation is a consortium comprising BEL, BEML, EndureAir Systems, HAL, Gliders India Limited and Yantra India Limited, whereas the Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation includes Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, BEL. BEML and HAL. UPEIDA and Technopark@IITK are integral members of both consortiums.