DRDO: Delayed Research Derailed Organisation to be revamped

Finally, Govt Orders Full Revamp Of DRDO, Formally Sanctions Mark-II Versions Of MBT Arjun & Akash SAM
by Shiv Aroor on Thursday, May 13th 2010

More than three years after the Indian Express special series on the woeful state of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by me and Express senior editor Amitav Ranjan, the government has finally managed to order a comprehensive restructuring plan for the beleaguered organization with immediate effect. It was our 8-part special front-page series, titled Delayed Research Derailed Organisation in late 2006 which set the ball rolling. For starters, it compelled the government to set up a committee in February 2007, chaired by Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Dr. P Rama Rao to review and suggest measures to improve the functioning of DRDO. After years of stiff resistance from some quarters in DRDO, the revamp plan has finally been pushed through.

A statement from the MoD today said, "To give a major boost to Defence Research in the country and to ensure effective participation of the private sector in Defence technology, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today approved a series of measures that will transform and revitalise the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – in form and substance."
Read more:
Finally, Govt Orders Full Revamp Of DRDO, Formally Sanctions Mark-II Versions Of MBT Arjun & Akash SAM by Shiv Aroor
Thursday 13 May, 2010. Govt to set up new Defence Technology Commission- DD News

India's might will be on display on R-Day

India will display its military might in front foreign diplomats and dignitaries and chief guest. Republic Day marks India’s adoption of the Constitution and the transition from a British dominion to a republic on Jan. 26, 1950. This year will also see unprecedented security.
Akash missiles are displayed at the Republic Day parade rehearsal
A Brahmos missile displayed at the rehearsal
New Delhi: To showcase India's military might, one mounted cavalry and seven mechanised columns, eight marching contingents, Advanced Light Helicopters along with 10 military bands and 13 pipes and drums of the army will participate at the Republic Day parade this year.

"The highlights of the parade from army would be the T-90 tanks, Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, combat vehicles OSA -AK, infantry combat vehicle BMP-II, Takshak Striker bullet-proof vehicle and a motorcycle display by the 'Dare-devils' team of the Corps of Signals," Delhi Area General Officer Commanding and parade commander Maj Gen KJS Oberoi said.

Three Param Vir Chakra and seven Ashok Chakra- winning personnel would also be there at the parade.

The indigenously developed cruise missile Brahmos will be showcased twice during the annual parade. The army will be showing the land attack variant of the missile whereas the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will display the naval variant of the missile on its tableau.

The other DRDO systems to be on display include the Advanced Air System (ADS), Akash missile and the long-range ballistic missile Agni III, he added.

The naval tableau will display its recently acquired amphibious warship INS Jalashwa, which was inducted in the Navy in 2007.

Indian Air Force will showcase its increasing reach and power with a model of its Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft (AWACS) and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer at its tableau.

IAF's Su-30MKI, Jaguar and MiG-29 fighter aircraft along with Mi-17 IV and Mi-35 choppers will make a fly-past over the parade.
© Copyright 2008 PTI. All rights reserved.
India's might will be on display on R-Day