IIT Mandi Hosts DRDO Workshop on Armament Research, Strengthens Ties for Defence Innovation

IIT Mandi Signs MoU with DIHAR to Boost Joint Research and Training in High-Altitude Technologies

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, one of
India’s leading IITs, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO), successfully organised a one-day workshop on Armament
Research and Development at its North Campus. 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. Additionally, an MoU was signed between
IIT Mandi and the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR) for joint research
and training of manpower.
The inaugural session featured addresses by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT
Mandi; Dr. Prateek Kishore, Director General (Armament and Combat
Engineering), DRDO; and Dr. A. P. Dash, Director, High Energy Materials Research
Laboratory (HEMRL), 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 Prof. Shyam Masakapalli,
Dean (SRIC), IIT Mandi, who highlighted the significant research accomplishments of
IIT Mandi faculty through DRDO-funded projects over the years. Dr. 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.
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, 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.”
Dr. Prateek Kishore, Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering),
DRDO, 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 Mechanism 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.
The workshop underscores IIT Mandi’s commitment to fostering a vibrant
academic–defence research ecosystem, advancing indigenous technologies, and
contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance in cutting-edge defence innovation.