Dhanbad: IIT-ISM Dhanbad organized a seminar today on “Self-Reliant Defence Sector: Role of Academia”, highlighting the vital contribution of academic institutions in advancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Held at the Smart Classroom in the i2h building, the seminar was conducted by the Office of the Dean (Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship) and featured Dr. B.K. Das, Director General (Electronics & Communication Systems), DRDO, as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker.
Dr. Das commemorated the anniversary of India’s first Agni missile launch and underscored the need for self-reliance in missile and aircraft programs like AMCA and LCA. He attributed the country’s growing defence strength to a nearly 300% increase in defence funding, and emphasized the rising role of cost-effective, high-efficiency technologies in modern warfare, such as drone swarms and laser-based counter-drone systems.
He also stressed India’s potential as a defence technology exporter, encouraging stronger global partnerships.
DRDO scientists from the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) shared insights on funding mechanisms and academic collaboration opportunities for defence R&D.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT-ISM, highlighted the importance of academic research in nation-building and defence development. Dr. Das praised the institute’s innovation ecosystem and expressed confidence in its growing strategic role.
The seminar marked a significant push toward strengthening industry-academia ties for achieving defence self-reliance.
