BHEL and DRDO Partner to Indigenize Missile Technology

New Delhi: In a major push for India's self-reliance in defense, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) announced today it has signed a License Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a research arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The agreement will enable BHEL to indigenously manufacture Fused Silica Radar Domes, a critical component for the country's missile programs.

Key Details of the Collaboration

The technology transfer focuses on the "Cold Isostatic Pressing and Sintering Route" for manufacturing the radar domes. This advanced method, developed by DMRL, is known for producing high-quality components with superior structural integrity and electrical performance. The collaboration is domestic and does not involve any joint venture or share exchange.

DMRL, with its proven expertise in high-temperature alloys and advanced ceramics, has transferred this crucial technology to BHEL. The move is expected to significantly bolster India's strategic defense capabilities by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for these key components.

The Importance of Radar Domes

Fused Silica Radar Domes, also known as radomes, are the protective noses of missiles. They are designed to shield the sensitive electronic guidance systems, or "seekers," from the intense heat and aerodynamic forces encountered during high-speed flight. At the same time, the radome material must be transparent to radar signals, allowing the seeker to effectively track its target without interference.

This technology is vital for the seeker-based guidance of missiles, ensuring their accuracy and mission success. By enabling BHEL to produce these domes domestically, the agreement aligns with the Indian government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative, strengthening the nation's defense manufacturing ecosystem.