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