Auto-pilot technology

Rajesh Kakkar says GST to import auto-pilot technology.

New Delhi-based Global Strategic Technologies Ltd (GST) is set to import cutting edge auto-pilot technology for production and deployment on unmanned aerial and surface vehicles of the armed forces.

“We are in discussion with an international auto-pilot system group,” said Rajesh Kakkar, chief executive officer of the GST which is expected to introduce the latest in auto-pilot technology within the next 12 months.

Though some smaller scale auto-pilot systems are available in India, the professional and military grades not so common, he pointed out.

GST is also planning to import other advanced technologies and customize it for use in Indian armed and naval forces.

“We believe we are best suited to do that customization. We have a deep understanding of what are the changes we need to make to tech-savvy products available globally and adapt them to the Indian environment,” said Kakkar, who attended the July 11-15 Farnborough International Airshow with a shopping-list.

“We strongly believe that it is a must to develop an indigenous product or adapt others for the country’s defence sector. It is good to acquire know-how, but critical to have know-why if one is to actually achieve self-reliance,” he stressed.

Two years ago, GST acquired Bangalore-based Deepti Electronics and Electronic Optics Pvt Ltd, a 20-year old company focused on avionics and defence electronics. Deepti Electronics has successfully developed over a hundred products for the Indian defence system and delivers these to Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Units and the Indian armed forces. These straddle a range of technologies including Thermal imaging, Automatic target tracking, Cockpit avionics, Missile and torpedo electronics.

With this acquisition, the five-year old GST has taken a market lead in research & development, product development, serial production and lifelong support of the products including product upgrades.

A subsidiary of the 130-year J K Organization, GST now works with Defense Research & Development Organization as well as industry leaders Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Ltd. fii-news.com