Defence research body plans M. Tech course in avionics
Military electronics, the vital cog that helps States to win – or lose – wars, just joined the rest of areas clamouring for trained and talented manpower.
At a time Armed Forces are beefing up electronic intelligence mechanisms and defence labs are hectically upping the indigenous technologies quotient, the country lacks trained workers in electronic warfare, according to Mr G.Elangovan, Chief Controller (R&D) Avionics, Defence Research & Development Organisation.
“Do we have enough trained manpower? I would like to say ‘no.' The Old Crows [defence electronics experts] have to become younger till the induction of young people,” he said at the opening of a three-day international conference on electronic warfare, EWCI 2012, on Wednesday.
“Today we find hardly any people who take pride in saying ‘I work in antenna area.' Slowly that ground has disappeared. We need to put more people and get more people interested in working in electronic warfare. This is the urgent requirement today,” Mr Elangovan said.
EW, which employs radar detectors, deceivers, phone jammers, communication interceptors, missile detectors and deflectors, he said, has become extremely crucial for governments in their war across the border or with Naxalites and terrorists within the country. The country needed experts in modelling and simulation; the technologies perished fast while the Forces needed quick supplies of latest devices. As one way to fill the gap, DRDO has planned to soon start an advanced M.Tech course in avionics, radar and EW techniques at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technologies, Pune. Mr Elangovan said, “We need to launch more programmes to educate the younger generation, and cultivate basic research” in defence technologies.
Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd had put 1,000 people to work on EW products and technologies, said its Director (R&D), Mr I.V. Sarma.
EWIC 2012 is being organised by the DRDO, BEL and the Old Crows Association India Chapter.
Keywords: Military electronics, More experts, DRDO, Defence research, M. Tech course, avionics
