SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a recent interview with The Week, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shed light on the challenges and progress in developing High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in India. Dr. Kamat emphasized that while DRDO is making significant strides in indigenous UAV development, propulsion systems remain a critical bottleneck. To address this, DRDO is collaborating with global leaders in a consultancy and advisory capacity, ensuring that the core development remains firmly in Indian hands.
HALE UAVs, designed for extended missions at high altitudes, require advanced propulsion systems to achieve optimal performance, endurance, and reliability. Dr. Kamat highlighted that the availability of suitable propulsion systems is the primary challenge in configuring these advanced UAVs. Unlike other domains where India’s defence ecosystem has made rapid advancements, propulsion technology for HALE UAVs remains a niche area requiring significant expertise and time to mature.
“Only in the domain of propulsion systems, we are collaborating with global leaders through consultancy and advisory mode,” Dr. Kamat stated. This strategic approach allows DRDO to leverage international expertise while retaining control over the development process, ensuring that the technology aligns with India’s specific defence needs and fosters self-reliance.
India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has seen remarkable growth in recent years, driven by initiatives like Make in India and increased collaboration between DRDO, public sector undertakings, and private industry. However, Dr. Kamat noted that developing indigenous propulsion systems for HALE UAVs is a complex endeavor that will require sustained effort. “Even though the ecosystem is growing, it will take another five to ten years to bring the technologies for indigenous propulsion systems,” he said.
This timeline reflects the intricate nature of propulsion technology, which demands advancements in materials, aerodynamics, and manufacturing precision. The development of reliable, high-performance engines for HALE UAVs involves overcoming technical hurdles such as fuel efficiency, thermal management, and durability under extreme conditions.
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