DRDO wants higher allocation of funds for its programmes

Addressing the DRDO Awards ceremony here, DRDO Chief V K Saraswat said the process to establish a defence technology commission on lines of the ISRO and Atomic Energy Commission has been initiated to move towards self reliance in military systems.

"The final issue which I would like to highlight is the DRDO Budget which has remained more or less same...In view of major programs like SR-SAM, LCA Mk-II, ATVP, etc., we look forward to getting higher allocation of funds at the review stage," he said.

He said to realise the ambitious DRDO road map, "we look forward to the collective efforts, co-operation and support from all stake holders."

Citing the success of Joint Ventures such as BrahMos, Saraswat said, "Guidelines have been recently issued for JVs for DPSUs. We feel the need for such mechanisms to be evolved for DRDO JVs, too, so that an efficient workable system can be put in place to enable quick returns in technology areas with complementary work share."

Listing the schedule for the remaining period of 2012, Saraswat said, "Our major goals for the year ahead include flight test of Interceptor missile for targets of 5000 km range class missiles, first flight of Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile and maiden flight of AEW and C system in India with all systems integrated."

He said the DRDO is planning to work on the Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SR-SAM), Pravira project for protection of critical infrastructure, micro-nano satellites and satellite-based communication systems. (MORE)