DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

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Context

• A top body chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Defence Minister and the National Security Advisor as its Vice Presidents, should determine the country’s defence technology roadmap and decide on major projects and their execution, an expert committee spearheaded by the former principal scientific advisor, Prof K Vijay Raghavan, is learned to have told the government.

Details

Background of the Vijay Raghavan Committee

• The committee was set up by the government last year to review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The decision to review DRDO's functioning was prompted by concerns over delays in several of its projects.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had raised issues about project delays and extensions.

Recommendations of the Vijay Raghavan Committee

• The committee recommends that DRDO should focus on its original goal of research and development for defense, rather than involving itself in production cycles and product management.
• It suggests that DRDO should refrain from engaging in certain technologies, such as drone development, and should identify expertise within India and internationally for various technologies.
• The Defence Technology Council is proposed to play a crucial role in identifying the right players for specific defense technologies.

About the Defence Technology Council

• The Defence Technology Council is suggested to be chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Defence Minister and the National Security Advisor as its Vice Presidents.
• An executive committee, chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff, is proposed.
• Membership includes the Principal Scientific Advisor, three service chiefs and their vice chiefs, along with two representations each from academia and industry.

Secretariat of the Defence Technology Council:

• The committee recommends the creation of a separate department under the Defence Ministry, named the Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation.
• This department, headed by a technocrat, will promote defense research and development in the academic and start-up ecosystem.
• It will serve as the secretariat for the Defence Technology Council, operate labs for testing and certification, and draw scientists from DRDO and academia.

Roles of the Proposed Department:

• Promotion of defence research and development in the academic and start-up ecosystem.
• Serving as the secretariat for the Defence Technology Council chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Drawing scientists from DRDO and academia for background research and decision support.
• Operating labs for testing and certification, a function currently performed by DRDO.

Conclusion

The overall objective is to streamline the defense technology roadmap, improve efficiency in project execution, and involve the private sector and academia in a more focused manner. The proposed restructuring aims to enhance India's defense capabilities and ensure timely and effective implementation of defense projects.