Question : DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES

(a) whether the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has adequately focused on development of critical technologies of strategic importance to achieve self-reliance in military hardware;

(b) if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the DRDO is unable to attract technically trained talents due to financial constraints and the scientists with specialized technical qualifications are moving to private sector and foreign countries; and

(d) if so, the measures being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) Yes, Madam. As per provisions in Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is fully concentrating on development of strategic, complex and security sensitive systems. DRDO has adequately developed critical technologies of strategically important to achieve self-reliance in the areas of missiles, aeronautics, armaments & explosives, naval systems, radars & sensors, electronic warfare systems, advanced materials, combat vehicles, etc.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) & (d): No, Madam. DRDO has no financial constraints for imparting training to the scientists. The scientists of all Grades are nominated for trainings as per the requirements of the Organization. Nearly 100 scientists are also sponsored for higher studies at various reputed institutions like, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), etc.