The Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her maiden visit to Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai, on October 15, 2017. Chairman DRDO & Secretary Department of Defence R&D Dr S. Christopher and Distinguished Scientist & Director, CVRDE Dr P. Sivakumar, made a brief presentation on the achievements and on-going national programmes of CVRDE in combat vehicles and technologies.

The dignitaries were taken to various technology centres by Director, CVRDE to witness the products and systems/technologies developed by CVRDE. The Defence Minister has evinced keen interest in the advanced systems like Arjun MBT Mk-II, Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle (ARRV), Arjun Catapult, unmanned ground vehicles, sub-systems of LCA Tejas, landing gear, 180 hp engine for Rustom-II, 1000 hp engine for T-72 and 400 hp for BMP-II. The respective project leaders highlighted the uniqueness and specialities of their systems to the dignitaries.

During this occasion, the Minister released a book namely Arjun MBT – An Indian Success Story that describes the entire project of Arjun MBT Mk-I. In the august presence of the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Chairman, DRDO, the first prototype of Arjun ARRV was handed over by CMD, BEML, Deepak Kumar Hota to Director, CVRDE; Director, CVRDE handed over one set of Landing Gear along with CEMILAC certification to Director, ADE; One set of Power Take Off Shaft to Director, GTRE; and Director, VRDE handed over 180 hp engine to Director, ADE.

Nirmala Sitharaman launched the website, ‘DRDO Robotics & Unmanned Systems Exposition’ (https://rac.gov.in/druse) for inviting the young and talented minds of engineering community from all parts of the country to take part in Defence Challenging applications. She has also released a book titled Achievements of CVRDE during the ceremony.

The Defence Minister congratulated DRDO fraternity, in particular CVRDE, for its unstinted efforts and contributions for the defence self-reliance of the nation and expressed her confidence that DRDO will strive hard to empower the nation further with ‘Make in India’ concept.