Lucknow, 05 July (HS): The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial

Corridor (UPDIC) in Uttar Pradesh is being developed on a cluster-based model,

combining the technical expertise of IITs, DRDO, and ISRO. Defense testing

infrastructure will be established in Kanpur in collaboration with IITs. DRDO's

infrared detector technology and advanced testing facilities will be developed

in Lucknow. An industrial base for the aerospace sector, linked to ISRO, is

also being developed in UPDIC. Under the plan, Kanpur, Lucknow, Aligarh,

Jhansi, and Chitrakoot will be developed as specialized clusters for various

defense sectors, creating an integrated chain of design, testing,

manufacturing, and export.

A senior UPDA official said that under the Defense Corridor,

each node is being designated according to its industrial capabilities. Kanpur

is being designated as a hub for small arms, ammunition, and defense clothing,

Lucknow for missiles, aerospace, and advanced defense systems, Aligarh for

drones and electronic warfare, Jhansi for explosives and heavy defense

manufacturing, and Chitrakoot for defense electronics and systems integration.

To strengthen the technological base, the Unmanned Aerial

Systems Testing Foundation and the Communications Defense Testing Foundation

will be established at IIT Kanpur under the Defense Testing Infrastructure

Scheme. This will test and certify unmanned aerial vehicles, communications

systems, and other defense technologies.

Research and development of indigenous defense products will

gain momentum: DRDO's Infrared Detector Technology Center project in Lucknow

and the proposed Advanced Materials Defense Testing Foundation will provide

facilities for the inspection, testing, and certification of advanced defense

materials. This will accelerate research and development of indigenous defense

products.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi