- Institute signs MoU with Dihar to expand joint research and training in defence technologies
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), organised a one-day workshop on armament research and development at its North Campus. An MoU was also signed between IIT Mandi and DIHAR for joint research and training of manpower.
The workshop brought together senior scientists from multiple DRDO laboratories — including the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), and the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (Dihar) — along with faculty members from IIT Mandi to explore collaborative opportunities in advanced defence technologies.
The inaugural session featured addresses by Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi; Prateek Kishore, Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering), DRDO; and A. P. Dash, Director, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune. The speakers highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between academia and defence research organisations to advance indigenous technologies and self-reliance.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shyam Masakapalli, Dean (SRIC), IIT Mandi, who highlighted the significant research accomplishments of IIT Mandi faculty through DRDO-funded projects over the years. Ashish Jauhari, Coordinator, Armament Research Board (ARMREB), DRDO headquarters, introduced ARMREB and outlined its mission to harness academic talent and nurture research in armament technologies.
Laxmidhar Behera said, “At IIT Mandi, we are dedicated to advancing indigenous research in critical defence technologies. Our partnership with DRDO ensures that academic innovation translates into practical solutions, strengthening India’s self-reliance and fostering technological leadership.”
Prateek Kishore said, “Academic institutions such as IIT Mandi play a vital role in advancing defence research by contributing scientific depth and innovation. Such collaborations are essential for building robust, indigenous capabilities in armament technologies.”
Following the inaugural session, the workshop transitioned into technical discussions featuring presentations by ARMREB panel coordinators across key domains of armament research. These included armament design mechanisms and ballistics, materials for armament applications, armament sensors and electronics, combustion detonics and shockwaves, safety, test and evaluation, and high-energy materials. Each session was followed by interactive discussions, reflecting the spirit of academic–scientific exchange.
