IIT Kanpur's technopark to set up advanced defence testing facilities

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur's research and technology park foundation, known as Technopark@IITK, has partnered with two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) — UAS Testing Foundation and Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation. These collaborations aim to develop advanced defence testing infrastructure at Technopark@IITK, focusing on two key defence areas: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Communication Systems.

Technopark@IITK has formalized agreements with representatives from HAL and BEL, the leading partners for the UAS testing foundation and the communication (Defence) Testing Foundation.

The planned DTI UAS facility will occupy 11,500 square feet, while the communication systems facility will cover 9,000 square feet. Both facilities will also include supporting infrastructure, such as office spaces, within the Technopark@IITK campus.

Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS)

The testing infrastructure is being developed under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), an initiative by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). As per the IIT Kanpur official press release, the scheme seeks to offer accessible, high-quality testing facilities to meet the requirements of the domestic defence industry.

Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, “The establishment of advanced UAS and Communication Testing Facilities at Technopark@IITK is a significant step in strengthening India’s defence testing infrastructure. This collaboration with key industry players under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme reflects IIT Kanpur's role in enabling high-quality, accessible testing facilities that support both academic research and the growth of the defence industry. I am confident that this initiative will play a pivotal role in driving technological advancements, and contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by advancing self-reliance in defence innovation.”

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UAS and Communication Testing Foundations: Partners and members

The UAS Testing Foundation is a consortium that includes HAL, BEL, BEML, Yantra India Limited (YIL), Gliders India Limited (GIL), and EndureAir Systems. Similarly, the Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation comprises HAL, BEL, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), and BEML.

Address R and D challenges

Amarendra Singh, professor-in-Charge, Technopark@IITK , said, “It is a momentous occasion for IIT Kanpur and DTIS to collaborate. Of the three defence verticals allocated to the UP Defence Industrial Corridor by the Ministry of Defence, two are being established at IIT Kanpur. This facility represents a win-win for both industry and academia. On one hand, the state-of-the-art machines and high-end equipment will be accessible to our faculty and students for research. On the other hand, MSMEs utilizing this facility will have the opportunity to leverage IITK’s technical expertise to address their R&D challenges.”