National Data Centre to Launch in Bengaluru

Quick Summary

• National Data Center for Test Archival and Analysis:

– A National Data Centre will be set up in Bengaluru within two years.- the centre will house archives of designs, failure mode analyses, prognostics, and R&D data previously unarchived in India.
– Initiative led by CEMILAC (under DRDO), responsible for airworthiness certification of military assets.
– Frameworks are being developed to ensure data sharing while protecting Intellectual Property rights.

• Drone Development by Indian Army:

– Post Operation Sindoor,the Indian Army is scaling up drone production and induction at various levels across military stations.
– Survey during the operation highlighted supply limitations; proactive steps now aim to scale drone availability rapidly.
– Drone labs are being established; focus on achieving a goal articulated by Chief of Army Staff – equipping soldiers with “Eagle drones.”

Indian Opinion analysis

The establishment of a National Data Centre marks a significant shift towards institutionalizing R&D knowledge retention within India. Historically, critical design efforts and analytical data have lacked centralized archival mechanisms due to factors like retirements or intellectual property concerns. This move could streamline innovation cycles across sectors like defense aviation while addressing fears of IP violations through structured frameworks.

The Indian Army’s intensified focus on drones reflects broader global trends where autonomous systems play pivotal roles in modern warfare. Scaling up domestic production aligns with strategic aspirations for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) while countering past supply challenges witnessed during Operation Sindoor. If successfully implemented nationwide, accessible drone technology has potential dual-use applications beyond defense – fostering advancements in surveillance, disaster management, and agriculture.

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