New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Export Compendium of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which consists of defence systems and platforms, which can be exported to friendly countries at Aero-India 2021 on the inaugural day of February 3.

A major revision of Design, Development & Production of Military Airborne Stores (DDPMAS) document was also released. DDPMAS document is followed by the aeronautics fraternity for design, development, production and certification of airborne systems. The new airworthiness framework emphasises on Atmanirbhar Bharat for self-reliance, empowering the organisations and industries with liberal certification procedures. The document released by the certification agency CEMILAC would enable Defence PSUs, MSMEs and R&D Establishments to develop and deliver world class products to India’s Defence Services.

Commemorating the golden jubilee of the Aeronautical Research & Development Board (AR&DB), the Minister released a Stamp and a book on the journey of AR&DB’s contributions to the field of aeronautics. The book highlights the major achievements of AR&DB since its formation. The AR&DB was constituted by DRDO in 1971 to promote research and take India towards self-reliance in aeronautics.

Singh also released a DRDO Monograph “Radiance in Skies – The Tejas Saga” during the function. The monograph authored by Air Marshal P Rajkumar (Retd) and BR Srikanth highlights the interesting journey of DRDO’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

Addressing the scientists, aerospace professionals and industrialists present at the function, the Minister complimented DRDO for multiple initiatives undertaken to enhance the technological capabilities of the Indian industry and playing a significant role in making the country Atmanirbhar in the area of defence manufacturing.

He said that technologies being developed by DRDO are continuously transferred to industries, making them confident to produce indigenous defence systems. He said that release of the golden jubilee stamp of ADR&DB shows the long R&D path travelled by DRDO in partnership with Indian academia in the area of aeronautics.

Singh said that export compendium will further enhance the strategic partnership with friendly countries and make India a major player in the global defence market.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Secretary Department of Defence Research and Development Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary Defence Production Raj Kumar, Dr Tessy Thomas, Director General (Aeronautical Systems) and Chief Postmaster General Ms Sharda Sampath were present at the function, which was presided over by Singh.

DRDO is participating with more than 300 products, technologies, innovations in the indoor pavilion, outdoor, static and flying displays during the show. More than 30 laboratories of DRDO connected with aeronautical technology development are exhibiting their products and technological achievements in the mega event this year.