DRDO's Ambitious Tank Sight Electronics Development Initiative

DRDO's Ambitious Tank Sight Electronics Development Initiative

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently issued a tender for the development and qualification of electronic interface units for tank sight and fire-control systems. This move marks another significant requirement in the Indian armoured vehicle electronics industry. The tender, released on 22nd September, includes four line items: Gunner Interface Unit with Acceptance Tests, Commander Sight Interface Unit with Acceptance Tests, Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) charges, and Qualification Testing. Bids will close on October 6, with evaluation based on total bid amount and technical adherence to the Bill of Quantities.

The tender format is noteworthy, as it incorporates both hardware and NRE charges, along with qualification testing. The NRE refers to a single-shot engineering and development cost of a product or process, allowing it to be produced in repeat production. The mention of acceptance and qualification testing suggests that DRDO is looking for a capability that needs to be technically qualified before it is accepted.

The public tender listing does not specify the type of armoured vehicle or tank platform the Gunner Interface Unit (GIU) and Commander Sight Interface Unit (CSIU) will be used on. However, in today's armoured fighting vehicles, sight systems create and share data with the vehicle's overall fire-control and vetronics system. The gunner's sight/commander's sight may include electro-optical imaging and laser range measuring capabilities, while the fire control architecture handles information needed for target engagement.

Individual sight assemblies are connected to other vehicle systems by interface electronics. The commander's and gunner's system can also be used to conduct hunter-killer missions, where the commander could look at an enemy and pass it over to the gunner to engage. It is not possible to determine the new GIU and CSIU's functionality or interfaces from the name alone, as this information has not been made public during the development of these units under this tender.

This requirement comes on the heels of other recent procurement and development efforts for sight and fire-control equipment on Indian armoured vehicles. Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) has approached the range finder gunner-sight mirror units, and India Optel has had linkages to the power supply and control flex PCBs for the commander's integrated sight on the T-72. The Indian Army has also worked on the upgradation of automatic test equipment (ATE) related to the T-72 gunner's sight and TPDK-1 laser rangefinder.

These requirements may be for multiple pieces of equipment and do not have to be in one programme. As a whole, these point to ongoing engineering and sustainment work with the sighting and fire-control of India's armoured vehicle fleet. The DRDO Chennai unit linked to the tender is the centre for research and development on armoured vehicles, including armament and fire-control technologies and vehicle systems. However, the current tender does not explicitly name the target platform.

It could then be linked to an in-service upgrade of an existing vehicle, a new armoured platform, or a technology development requirement. The DRDO's initiative highlights the organisation's commitment to developing cutting-edge technology for the Indian armed forces. By issuing this tender, DRDO aims to strengthen the country's armoured vehicle electronics industry and enhance the capabilities of its armed forces.

The development of advanced tank sight electronics will not only improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the Indian Army's armoured vehicles but also contribute to the country's defence modernisation efforts. As the Indian armed forces continue to modernise and upgrade their capabilities, the DRDO's initiative will play a crucial role in supporting their efforts. The organisation's focus on developing advanced technologies will help India maintain its position as a major player in the global defence sector.