APEX BODY FOR DEFENCE UPGRADES

Why in the News?

  • A high-level committee, led by the Prime Minister, is proposed for defence upgrades.
  • Key members include the Defence Minister, National Security Advisor, Chief of Defence Staff, Principal Scientific Advisor, service chiefs, and their vice chiefs.
  • The committee emphasizes the need for a focused approach to research and development by the Defence ministry.
Source: Mod

About New Department and Technology Council:

Note: Proposed reforms target efficient defence R&D, tackling project delays, and optimizing DRDO’s role in the evolving defence scenario.

  • A new Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation is recommended under the Defense Ministry.
  • This department, led by a technocrat, would promote defence R&D in academia and startups.
  • The Defense Technology Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, would play a crucial role in identifying defense technology experts and players.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

·    DRDO is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India.

·    Vision: Empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies.

·    Mission: Achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.

·    India’s largest research organization.

·    Formation: Formed in 1958 by merging existing entities – Technical Development Establishment (TDEs), Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP), and Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

·    Operations: Network of laboratories across various fields: aeronautics, armaments, electronics, etc.

·    Headquarters: Headquarters located in New Delhi.