IIT Kanpur Research and Technology Park Foundation (brand name, Technopark@IITK) has entered into agreements with two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – UAS Testing Foundation and Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation – to establish state-of-the-art Defence Testing Infrastructure at Technopark@IITK. These facilities will focus on two critical domains of Defence: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Communication Systems.
The UAS Testing Foundation is a consortium comprising HAL, BEL, BEML, Yantra India Limited (YIL), Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (GIL), and EndureAir Systems, while the Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation includes HAL, BEL, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), and BEML. UPEIDA and Technopark@IITK are integral members of both consortiums.
The testing infrastructure is being established under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), an initiative of the Department of Defence Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This scheme aims to provide accessible and high-quality testing facilities to address the needs of the domestic defence industry.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, “The establishment of advanced UAS and Communication Testing Facilities at Technopark@IITK is a significant step in strengthening India’s defence testing infrastructure. This collaboration with key industry players under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme reflects IIT Kanpur’s role in enabling high-quality, accessible testing facilities that support both academic research and the growth of the defence industry. I am confident that this initiative will play a pivotal role in driving technological advancements, and contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by advancing self-reliance in defence innovation.”
Prof. Amarendra Singh, Professor-in-Charge, Technopark@IITK, said, “It is a momentous occasion for IIT Kanpur and DTIS to collaborate. Of the three defence verticals allocated to the UP Defence Industrial Corridor by the Ministry of Defence, two are being established at IIT Kanpur. This facility represents a win-win for both industry and academia. On one hand, the state-of-the-art machines and high-end equipment will be accessible to our faculty and students for research. On the other hand, MSMEs utilizing this facility will have the opportunity to leverage IITK’s technical expertise to address their R&D challenges.”
In February 2018, the Honourable Prime Minister announced the establishment of two defence corridors in India: the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC) and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the indigenous defence ecosystem, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) subsequently launched the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) to set up Central Defence Testing Facilities.
Col. Sanjay Singh, Chief General Manager, UPDIC, said, “R&D and testing are among the most resource-intensive activities in the defence industry. To address these needs, the MoD approved the establishment of advanced testing facilities, two of which will be located in the Kanpur defence node. These testing centres are also envisioned to evolve into certification centres in the future, a role currently exclusive to defence agencies.”
Technopark@IITK signed agreements with representatives from HAL and BEL, the leading partners for the UAS Testing Foundation and the Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation, respectively. The proposed DTI UAS facility will cover 11,500 sq. ft., while the Communication Systems facility will span 9,000 sq. ft. Both facilities will be supported by ancillary infrastructure, including office spaces, within the Technopark@IITK premises.
With more private players entering the defence ecosystem, these facilities will offer them the opportunity to test their products efficiently and ensure high-quality standards, ultimately contributing to enhanced self-reliance.