IIT Kanpur’s Technopark to Host Advanced Defence Testing Facilities
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur's research and technology park, Technopark@IITK, has teamed up with two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): UAS Testing Foundation and Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation. These partnerships aim to build advanced defence testing facilities at Technopark@IITK, focusing on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Communication Systems.
Technopark@IITK has signed agreements with key representatives from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the main partners for the UAS and communication testing foundations. The UAS testing area will take up 11,500 square feet, while the communication systems testing facility will cover 9,000 square feet. Both facilities will also include office space and other support structures within Technopark@IITK.
Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS)
These new testing centres are being built under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), a project led by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence. As per IIT Kanpur's official statement, the main aim of this programme is to provide high-quality and advanced testing facilities that can help in resolving issues for India’s defence industry.
IIT Kanpur's Director, Manindra Agrawal, explained that the reason for setting up these advanced UAS and Communication Testing Facilities at Technopark@IITK is an advanced strategy towards enhancing India's defence testing capabilities. He highlighted that this project, in partnership with key industry players under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme, shows IIT Kanpur's commitment to supporting both academic research and the development of the defence sector. Agrawal expressed his confidence that this initiative can be very important for enhancing technological progress and supporting India's goal of self-reliance in defence innovation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Partners and members
Here is the list of the members of the UAS Testing Foundation:
- HAL
- BEL
- BEML
- Yantra India Limited (YIL),
- Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Co Ltd (GIL)
- EndureAir Systems.
Similarly, the Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation comprises HAL, BEL, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), and BEML.
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