R&DE (E) is developing armed version of ROV Daksh

[IND151]

Buoyed by the success of its remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Daksh, city-based defence research laboratory Research and Development Establishment – Engineers ((R&DE) (E)) is now developing ROVs like Daksh, which would have combat ability in insurgency-hit areas.

“Daksh is suited for low intensity conflict areas. It is currently equipped with necessary surveillance and detection capabilities and can defuse Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs). We are working on having a facility, which will enable it to fight in remote locations, without endangering the lives of our soldiers,” Director R&DE (E), Dr S Guruprasad said.

The modified ROV will have a gun mounted on it and the option of attaching a grenade launcher. According to Guruprasad, development of unmanned remotely operated battlefield systems like the ROVs, demining vehicles are some of the technologies R&DE (E) is focusing on.

The DRDO laboratory, which has recently won the Silicon trophy for 2012 for outstanding contributions towards defence research will also be focusing on composite material technology.

“We will be focusing on composite material technology that will enable us to develop high strength light weight military bridges and other structures. R&DE (E) has successfully developed and introduced military bridging systems, mine-warfare equipment and mobile launchers for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle,” he said.

The R&DE (E) director said that the Silicon Award is in recognition of their contribution towards delivering state-of-the-art systems in the areas of combat-engineering, field-defence and Nuclear-Biological-Chemical protection, weapon-support systems, composites and robotics.

R&DE (E) is developing armed version of ROV Daksh | idrw.org