Wikipedia

Draft:Research & Development Establishment (Pakistan)

Research & Development Establishment
Agency overview
FormedMay 2020
Preceding agencies
Type
HeadquartersRawalpindi, Pakistan
Parent departmentMinistry of Defence Production
Websitehttps://rde.gov.pk

The Research and Development Establishment (RDE) is an organization for defense-related research and development. Established in 2020 through the merger of three institutions, it focuses on indigenization to meet the needs of the Pakistani military and other government agencies.[1] RDE collaborates with academia and industry to develop equipment, vehicles and technology for self-sufficiency in defense. [2][3]

Overview edit

The Research and Development Establishment (RDE) is a multidisciplinary research and development (R&D) organization established under the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) of Pakistan in May 2020. It resulted from the merger of three previously independent institutions: [4]

  • Military Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (MVRDE)
  • Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE)
  • Institute of Optronics (IOP)

Merger edit

The 2020 merger was aimed to revitalize the collective potential of these organizations and create synergy by combining their expertise and resources. This unified structure strengthened Pakistan's domestic defense R&D capabilities. [2]

National Significance & Role in Technological Advancement edit

The Research and Development Establishment (RDE) plays a pivotal role in Pakistan's national security and technological advancement in the defence sector. However, its impact is multifaceted, with both positive and negative aspects to consider. [1]

Enhancing National Defense Capabilities:

  • Indigenous Defense Production: RDE promotes self-reliance by developing and producing defense equipment domestically. This reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthens national security. However, the success of this strategy hinges on the transfer of technology to local industries for long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness. [5]
  • Advanced Weaponry and Systems: RDE's efforts lead to the development of sophisticated weapons, ammunition, and equipment for the Pakistani military. This ensures the armed forces have access to modern technology to deter and counter threats. However, concerns exist regarding the potential for escalation of regional tensions due to the introduction of increasingly advanced weaponry. [6]
  • Innovation in Military Engineering: RDE's expertise in engineering vehicles, bridging systems, and mine countermeasures equipment contributes to the mobility, survivability, and operational effectiveness of the Pakistani military. This can be crucial for humanitarian and peacekeeping operations as well as national defense. [7]

Promoting Technological Advancement:

  • Transfer of Technology: Collaboration with local industries during R&D projects facilitates the transfer of advanced technologies and fosters a domestic defense technology ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of this transfer needs to be evaluated to ensure a robust and sustainable domestic industry. [8]
  • Skilled Workforce Development: RDE's activities contribute to building a skilled workforce in various engineering disciplines relevant to defense technology. This talent pool then fuels future advancements. [9]
  • Stimulating Research and Development Culture: RDE's work fosters a culture of research and development within Pakistan, potentially leading to innovations beyond the defense sector.

Structure edit

  • Director General (RDE) [2]
    • Marketing & Industrial Wing
      • Detachment Lahore
      • Detachment Karachi
    • Plans & Technical Coordination Directorate
      • Information Technology Centre
    • Optronics Directorate
      • Optronics R&D Wing
      • Calibration & Testing Wing
    • Research & Indigenous Development Directorate
      • Vehicle & Equipment R&D Wing
      • Simulators & Electronics R&D Wing
      • Armament R&D Wing
      • Contract Wing
      • R&D Support Wing
      • Materials Wing
    • Administration Wing
      • HR Section
      • Finance Section
    • Quality Assurance Section

Products and services edit

Products created by RDE include the following: [10][11]

  • UAVs (VTOL Hybrid Surveillance System, Loitering Munition)
  • Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) - 40 MM
  • Multi Channel Exploder (MCE)
  • RPG-7 Rocket Launcher (Practice rounds, enhanced penetrators)
  • Zapping Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) Kits P-6
  • Trailers (Armament, Missile Carrier, Torpedo)
  • Blood Bank Refrigerator
  • High Altitude Equipment (Thermal Vest and Drawers, Sleeping Bags, Boot Cold Weather)
  • Optronics (NVG sights, Short & Medium Range Thermal Weapon Sight)
  • Mine Bridging (Mole Plough for tanks)
  • Training Simulators
  • Design Centre
  • Material Testing

References edit

  1. ^ a b "N.A Standing Committee on Defence Production meet today". na.gov.pk. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  2. ^ a b c "About Us". Directorate General Research Development Establishment (DGRDE).
  3. ^ "Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2022" (PDF). www.sipri.org.
  4. ^ rti (2022-10-26). "Order on Appeal No E224-02/22 M. Zafar Vs Ministry of Defence Production". Pakistan Information Commission. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  5. ^ "Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production" (PDF). senate.gov.pk.
  6. ^ "The military Contributions to Technological Development". tribune.com.pk.
  7. ^ Mowery, David C. (2010-01-01), Hall, Bronwyn H.; Rosenberg, Nathan (eds.), "Chapter 29 - Military R&D and Innovation", Handbook of the Economics of Innovation, Handbook of the Economics of Innovation, Volume 2, vol. 2, North-Holland, pp. 1219–1256, retrieved 2024-04-12
  8. ^ "Overview on Pakistan R&D sector in context adopting technological capabilities". www.researchgate.net.
  9. ^ "Modernize the workforce". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  10. ^ "RDE Booklet" (PDF). DEFENCE PRODUCTS BROCHURES.
  11. ^ "Research & Development Establishment (RDE) Products". DEPO.
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