Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) signed a “Licensing Agreement for Technology Transfer” with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in March 2023. This agreement will allow CUMI to manufacture ceramic radomes used in aerospace and missile systems.

What are Ceramic Radomes?

Ceramic radomes are state-of-the-art technology used in both ballistic and tactical missiles, as well as high-performance aircraft. They are located at the tip of a missile to protect it during its journey. The radomes are made of ceramic materials and are indigenously made by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, DRDO labs in the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex.

Significance of the Partnership

While the DRDO has its own facility to produce ceramic radomes, a collaboration with CUMI will further help in achieving the scaling up of the process. This partnership will help to make India strong and self-reliant in the defense sector. Public-private partnerships in the defense sector can help achieve self-reliance and excellence and need to be encouraged further. It will also boost programs such as Make in India, job creation, reduction in defense imports, and save public money.

CUMI’s Experience in Defense Technologies

CUMI has about 70 years of experience in producing various defense technologies and materials such as bulletproof vests, using zirconia-toughened alumina and silicon carbide, and armored vehicles. It is also one of India’s first companies to produce graphene for aerospace and defense applications. With this partnership, CUMI will be able to contribute to the defense sector by producing ceramic radomes, which is a critical component in missile and aerospace technology.

Role of RCI in the Partnership

RCI is India’s premier research facility for R&D in the technologies of control engineering, inertial navigation, imaging infrared seekers, radio frequency seekers and systems, on-board computers, and mission software. With their expertise, they will be able to guide CUMI in the manufacturing process of ceramic radomes.

Benefits of the Partnership

This partnership will bring several benefits to the Indian defense industry. Some of them are:

  1. Self-reliance: With the ability to manufacture ceramic radomes, India can reduce its dependence on other countries for the technology.
  2. Job creation: The partnership will create job opportunities in the defense sector, which will help in the economic development of the country.
  3. Reduction in defense imports: With the ability to produce ceramic radomes, India will be able to reduce its imports of this critical component.
  4. Cost savings: The partnership will help in saving public money by reducing defense imports.
Why In News

In March 2023, Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) signed a “Licensing Agreement for Technology Transfer” with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manufacture ceramic radomes for aerospace and missile systems. This collaboration is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the Indian defense industry, as it brings together the expertise of a private company with the research capabilities of a government organization.

MCQs about Ceramic Radomes

  1. What is the purpose of ceramic radomes in aerospace and missile systems?
    A. To protect missiles from high temperatures
    B. To increase the speed of missiles
    C. To make missiles invisible to radar
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: A. To protect missiles from high temperatures.
    Explanation: Ceramic radomes are used to protect missiles from high temperatures during their journey, hence option A is correct.
  2. Which organization is responsible for producing ceramic radomes in India?
    A. Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI)
    B. Research Centre Imarat (RCI, Hyderabad)
    C. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
    D. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
    Correct Answer: B. Research Centre Imarat (RCI, Hyderabad)
    Explanation: Ceramic radomes are indigenously made by Research Centre Imarat (RCI, Hyderabad), DRDO labs in the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, hence option B is correct.
  3. What is the significance of the partnership between CUMI and DRDO for ceramic radomes?
    A. It will help achieve the scaling up of the process
    B. It will reduce the speed of missiles
    C. It will make missiles invisible to radar
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: A. It will help achieve the scaling up of the process
    Explanation: While DRDO has its own facility to produce ceramic radomes, a collaboration with CUMI will further help in achieving the scaling up of the process. Hence option A is correct.
  4. What is the benefit of public-private partnerships in the defense sector?
    A. Job creation and reduction in defense imports
    B. Increase in defense imports and cost
    C. Reduction in job opportunities and public spending
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: A. Job creation and reduction in defense imports
    Explanation: Public-private partnerships in the defense sector can help achieve self-reliance and excellence, boost programs such as Make in India, and lead to job creation and reduction in defense imports, saving public money. Hence option A is correct.

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