IIT Ropar has been awarded two projects by the Army Technology Board (ATB) with a combined budget of Rs 120 crore, focusing on autonomous armoured vehicles and directed energy weapons for the Indian Army.
Project Details and Objectives
The projects, granted under the 27th ATB cycle, aim to develop next-generation combat platforms that operate with minimal human intervention. The autonomous armoured vehicle project will leverage artificial intelligence for navigation, threat identification, and battlefield decision-making, reducing risks to soldiers in hostile environments.
The second project involves directed energy weapons, which use focused electromagnetic energy beams to neutralize threats. These systems are considered game-changing for anti-drone operations, missile defence, and electronic warfare.
Selection and Expertise
IIT Ropar was selected due to its expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, photonics, and laser technologies. Director Rajeev Ahuja stated, "These two ATB projects are a strong endorsement of the research ecosystem we have built at IIT Ropar. Our faculty and students have been working with rigour and purpose in the defence technology domain, and this recognition by the Indian Army validates that work."
Economic and Strategic Impact
Beyond military significance, the projects are expected to generate economic activity by collaborating with startups, MSMEs, and industry partners for component development, manufacturing, and testing. Defence experts note that such large-scale technology programmes often create innovation ecosystems, leading to specialized industries and skilled employment opportunities.
Ahuja emphasized that the institute views these projects as a direct contribution to national security and will execute them with urgency and discipline required for strategic defence programmes.
