Antony to visit DRDO labs in Bangalore today

Bangalore, Feb 12: Defence Minister A K Antony will visit Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories here today. During his day-long visit, Antony will visit the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).

At the ADA, Antony will hold discussions with senior officials and is expected to take a look at the System Design and Evaluation Facility, Weapons Rig and an exhibition. The ADA is the nodal agency for the design and development of Light Combat Aircraft – 'Tejas" for Air Force and Navy with Hindustan Aeronautical Limited as principal partner. Eight limited series production aircrafts are being manufactured by ADA.

This will be followed by a visit to the Iron Bird and the Hanger of the 'Tejas' at the Aircraft Research and Development Centre. He will also witness a flight demonstration of the 'Tejas" at the National Flight Test Centre. Later, the Minister is scheduled to visit the ADE where scientists will brief him on products and exhibits on display there as well as simulation activities at the centre.

Established in 1959, the thrust areas of ADE are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, flight simulation, combat aircraft systems and air weapons. The major projects executed by ADE are Lakshya, Nishant UAV, LCA Simulator and Sudarshan Laser Guided Gun. A visit to the Kaveri Engine Assembly Bay and Test House at GTRE and display of Radars at LRDE, as well as an exhibition on the activities of ADE have also been lined up for the Defence Minister.

LRDE is one of the premier R and D establishments set up under the DRDO to address the services needs in the field of radar, communication systems and related technologies.

The laboratory has on its hand two major active phased array radar projects - a radar for an airborne platform dedicated for early warning, surveillance and control (AEW&C) and a 'Medium Power Radar" for the Indian Air Force with 300 km range.

ANI