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Pune: Research and Development Establishment (Engineers)[R&DE(E)], a premier DRDO laboratory based in Pune is celebrating its 63rd Raising day on 9th February 2025, marking six decades of dedication and service. As part of the celebrations, a series of cultural and sports events had been organized throughout the week to encourage team spirit among employees. A 5 km walkathon was successfully conducted on 2nd February 2025, where participants walked to and from Dighi Hills, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Another key highlight of the celebrations is the Aga Memorial lecture, planned on 7th Feb 2025 in the honor of their first Laboratory Director, Brig Aga. The lecture will reflect on his contributions and the legacy he left behind.
*R&DE(E) – A Brief overview*
Research & Development Establishment (Engrs), Pune was established on 9th Feb 1962 with the aim to develop systems and technologies for the Corps of Engineers. Since then R&DE (E), Pune has been involved in the development of Engineering Systems primarily for the Armed Forces as well as other Paramilitary Forces. The primary focus of development has been aimed at design of engineering systems for aiding in Combat operations for the Army, Navy and Air force. Over the years, R&DE(E) has been involved in Design and development of high performance engineering systems, equipment, products and technologies related to Mobility and Counter-Mobility Systems, Field Defence and CBRNe Collective Protection Systems, Launch Systems for Weapons Applications, Advanced Products using Composite Materials, Robotics and Unmanned Systems, etc.
*Significant contribution of R&DE(Engrs) to Services:*
Since inception R&DE(E) is striving continuously for fulfilling the requirements of the Corps-of-Engineers of the Indian Army. Over the years, working closely with the Users, R&DE(E) has developedlarge number of Combat Engineering Systems, inducted into the services and productionised. In the past, this establishment has also done pioneering work in setting up, maintaining the base station Maitri and supporting the Antarctic expeditions.
Ever since DRDO took up the development of missiles through the IGMDP, this establishment has contributed to its success in a big way by successfully developing and productionizing all the ground systems. Some of the major systems developed and introduced into services include Multi-span Mobile Bridging System (Sarvatra), Modular Bridging System, Mountain Foot Bridge, Composite Sonar Dome, Mine Field Marking Equipment (MFME) Mk-II, Unmanned aerial vehicles, Launcher Systems for land and underwater applications – such as Akash, MRSAM, Brahmos, etc.
*Current Product/Technology Focus:*
After achieving significant milestones in conventional warfare equipment, R&DE (E) is sighting bigger technical challenges of future warfare equipment. To kick start the transformation from a system engineering establishment to a technology focussed laboratory, R&DE (E) has been restructured into following technology focused verticals.
● Center for Systems & Technologies for Advanced Robotics (C-STAR): The center is targeting the development of robotic mule and humanoid as their primary goals however in the long term the center will be developing technologies in the areas of biomimetic robots, collaborative operations of multiple robotic elements, SWARM, AI & ML, flexible bio-inspired robots, advanced control, efficient actuators, low energy motion and Cognition.
● Composite Research Center (CRC): The thrust area of this center is design and development of advanced composite products such as composites bridges, composites armoured hull, Sonar Domes, Aircraft Radomes, Airframes, etc. The center works in the areas of structural health monitoring in composites, fracture and fatigue in composites and stealth technology.
● Centre for Electromagnetic System Research (CEMSR): The focus area of this center is the development of technologies for variants of Electromagnetic Launch system with an end goal of development of EM launcher for combat aircraft and Aircraft Arresting Systems.
● Advanced Technology Research Center (ATRC): The center is focused on developing technologies in the area of land mine detection, smart structure and underground blast studies and mitigation.
● Center for Renewable Energy & Storage Technology (CREST): The center is developing technologies for near field and far field wireless power transmission, energy harvesting and compact energy storage systems.
● Center for Strategic and Tactical Systems (CSTS): This center is responsible for design and development of launchers and other ground systems for major strategic and tactical missile system programs.
*Future work:*
R&DE (E) is changing its future course and is aspiring to be an advanced technology focused lab. In the next Decade, R&DE(E) will be venturing into new technology areas and pursuing development of products arising out of these technologies. The 63rd annual day is a moment of pride for all associated with R&DE, celebrating past success while embracing the future with confidence.
