DefExpo 2020: IIT-M to display next-gen defence ammunition

The Institute will showcase their next-generation technologies during DefExpo 2020, the biennial defence exhibition scheduled to be held from February 5-9 at Lucknow. The event will cover the complete spectrum of the country’s aerospace, defence and security interests.

IIT Madras is also the ‘Knowledge Partner’ of Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor and will form part of the TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation) pavilion in the expo. The efforts of defence-related start-ups, participating in the IDEX and incubated by IIT Madras will be on display.

Speaking about the participation of IIT Madras in the expo, Professor of Practice Lt Gen (retd) PR Shankar, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, who is taking keen interest in the defence-related projects of IIT-M, said, “We are now on the verge of making a mark on the Defence industry through the technologies developed by our faculty and through our start-ups incubated in our one-of-its-kind research parks. We have come a long way since the last DefExpoheld in Chennai.”

He said some of the technologies that will be showcased includes multi role expendable UAVs, next generation fire control network and ramjet projectile technology, which is artillery related project.

According to Shankar, IIT Madras is working with Defence Industry on various issues. There is now a broad understanding that the Institute can contribute immensely in the niche and emerging technologies.

A MoU will be signed with the Ordnance Factory Board for the establishment of a joint Centre of Excellence for Ammunition, in emerging technologies in hypersonic and supersonic ballistics and their impact on the design of Ordnance and Ammunition and damage to platforms and materials.

An agreement will also be inked with Bharat Electronics Limited for the establishment of research and collaboration in the areas of ‘Propellants, Explosives and Related Technologies.