By A Correspondent
New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s defence indigenisation and operational safety capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has finalised a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering.
The ToT is for the production of the Unexploded Ordnance Handling Robot (UXOR), a state-of-the-art system designed to neutralise ordnance weighing up to 1,000 kg, according to the company offiicals.
Under the agreement, Sagar Defence joins Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as a key industry partner to scale up production of UXOR units.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to deploy these advanced robots at forward airbases and other strategic installations to enhance safety during unexploded ordnance (UXO) handling missions.
Developed indigenously by DRDO over the past decade, UXOR represents a major leap in autonomous and semi-autonomous bomb disposal technology. Equipped with high-powered water jet cutting tools, it can safely disarm explosive ordnance by slicing through bomb casings up to 25 mm thick.
The robot can be operated remotely from up to two km away, allowing personnel to manage hazardous materials from a secure distance and minimising the risk of casualties.
UXOR’s design also enables cross-terrain mobility, supporting operations on airstrips, tarmacs, and rugged surfaces. It can perform continuous missions lasting up to six hours, making it ideal for extended disposal or reconnaissance tasks.
Officials indicate that UXOR has already completed extensive trials with the IAF, including real-world testing under operational conditions. DRDO’s ToT package will provide Sagar Defence and BEL with full access to design blueprints, production standards, and maintenance protocols.
The contract stipulates the delivery of multiple UXOR units over the next two fiscal years, along with comprehensive operator training and field integration support.
This initiative marks another milestone in DRDO’s push to expand public-private collaboration for faster deployment of indigenous defence technologies.
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