DefExpo 2018: DRDO hands over first indigenous heavy weight torpedo Varunastra to Indian Navy

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the military research and development arm under the ministry of defence, on Wednesday handed over three critical indigenous technologies to the Indian Navy, including the first indigenously developed heavy weight torpedo Varunastra.

At the DefExpo 2018 being held near here, the DRDO also transferred 10 technologies developed by it to the industry for production for the Indian Armed Forces. They include grenades, missiles and sonars.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman handed over three technologies for the Indian Navy to Chief of Naval Staff Sunil Lanba. It includes processor-based mines (PPBM), VLF modulator and heavy weight torpedo Varunastra.

A DRDO official said Varunastra is a ship-based ESM system developed for intercepting all modern radars. PBBM is deployable from ships and can deter movement of adversary. “The VLF modulator is a long range reliable communication system that we have handed over to the Navy,” an official said.

Ten technologies, including Astra air-to-air missile system, which was tested in Su-30 Mk1 and is likely to be integrated into Tejas LCA and other platforms, were handed over to private and PSUs for manufacturing. The technology transfers also included anti-thermal/ anti laser grenade, CAIRGIS geographic information system, two sonars — Humsa and Abhay — and a sonar dome.
A stamp and a souvenir, which has details of all technologies developed by DRDO, were released to commemorate the 60th year of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

 timesofindia