IIT Mandi Hosts DRDO Workshop on Armament Research, Strengthens Ties for Defence Innovation
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, one of India’s leading technological institutes, recently hosted a significant one-day workshop on Armament Research and Development in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This event took place at IIT Mandi’s North Campus and aimed to foster collaboration between academic institutions and defence research organizations.
Workshop Overview
The workshop gathered senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories, including:
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
- Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
- Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES)
- Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR)
Faculty members from IIT Mandi also participated, exploring collaborative opportunities in advanced defence technologies.
Signing of MoU
During the workshop, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Mandi and the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR). This agreement aims to enhance joint research and training in high-altitude technologies, further solidifying the relationship between academia and defence.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The inaugural session featured key addresses from prominent figures:
- Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi
- Dr. Prateek Kishore, Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering), DRDO
- Dr. A. P. Dash, Director, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune
These speakers emphasized the critical need for sustained collaboration between academic institutions and defence research organizations to promote indigenous technologies and self-reliance in defence capabilities.
Key Statements
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera remarked, “At IIT Mandi, we are dedicated to advancing indigenous research in critical defence technologies. Our partnership with DRDO ensures that academic innovation translates into practical solutions, strengthening India’s self-reliance and fostering technological leadership.”
Dr. Prateek Kishore added, “Academic institutions such as IIT Mandi play a vital role in advancing defence research by contributing scientific depth and innovation. Such collaborations are essential for building robust, indigenous capabilities in armament technologies.”
Technical Discussions
Following the inaugural session, the workshop transitioned into technical discussions. Presentations were made by ARMREB panel coordinators on various key domains of armament research, including:
- Armament Design Mechanism and Ballistics
- Materials for Armament Applications
- Armament Sensors and Electronics
- Combustion, Detonics, and Shockwaves
- Safety, Test and Evaluation
- High Energy Materials
Each session was followed by interactive discussions, reflecting a spirit of academic and scientific exchange.
Commitment to Defence Innovation
The workshop underscored IIT Mandi’s commitment to fostering a vibrant academic-defence research ecosystem. The institution aims to advance indigenous technologies and contribute to India’s vision of self-reliance in cutting-edge defence innovation.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIT Mandi and DRDO is a significant step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in defence technology. By bridging the gap between academia and defence research, both entities can work together to develop innovative solutions that meet the challenges of modern warfare and security.
Note: This article is based on the events and statements made during the workshop held on February 3, 2026, and reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s defence research and development capabilities.
