Seminar to Map Indian Defence R

New Delhi, Jan 28 (UNI) A two-day national seminar on 'Defence R&D and Technology Management' kicks off here tomorrow seeking to focus on technology and research and development through a collaborative and concerted approach for defence technology development and to reap the dividends.

Organised by the Society of Defence Technologists (SODET), the seminar shall have eminent speakers and luminaries in Defence R&D and allied technologies from India, France, Israel and Poland, among others, focusing on Defence R&D and Technologies encompassing global defence technology trends, transfer of technology, upgradation, global R&D networking and development of exports to give an upsurge to Indian defence industry.

According to SODET Chairman VRS Natarajan -- who is also Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the defence PSU Bharat Earth Movers Limited, the National Seminar focuses exclusively on key R&D and technology development related to the ultimate objective of bridging the technology gaps with special reference to defence technology in India keeping in view the global trends and technologies.

It specially seeks to address the specific gaps through technology tie-up and transfer of technology of the state-of-the-art of the first generation from MNCs and abroad. It shall also cover defence technology, upgradation at products and aggregate level laying emphasis on land, air and naval systems and technologies.

The seminar also encompasses technology innovation and collaboration and net-working for the defence R&D and product development for propelling defence exports and ultimately drawing a road map for India for the Indian Defence R&D and Technology 2025 which is a critical agenda for the seminar.

The National Seminar will be inaugurated by Defence Minister AK Antony. Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju will be the Chief Guest at the Valedictory Function and Mr M Natarajan, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, shall deliver a special address on the occasion.

Chief Executives/Senior Executives of Defence PSUs, OFB, Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), Directorate of Supplies (DOS) and from the Private sector, Senior/Middle level R&D professionals, Defence Production and Planning Managers of various Defence-related establishments, Senior Scientists from Defence Laboratories and Senior officials from Government departments/Ministry of Defence involved in policy making and Professors/Academic were expected to be delegates in the National Seminar.

SODET is a Society promoted under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence consisting of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Ordnance Factory Boards and Military Inspection Establishments with a mission to ensure 'Self reliant Industrial Support' to the Defence Services in the Country.

UNI DG KD RK1350