DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V Kamat Inaugurates Weapon & Vehicle Testing Centre

The Secretary of Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V Kamat visited the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Estt. (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai on 17^th May 2025 and inaugurated the Automotive & Weapon System Testing Centre (AWTC) at Vellanoor, Avadi.      

Dr Prateek Kishore, Distinguished Scientist & DG (ACE), Dr. Manu Korulla, Outstanding Scientist & DG (R&M), Shri J Rajesh Kumar, Outstanding Scientist & Director CVRDE, Dr. Bishwajeet Choubey, Scientist G & Director DCWE, Shri. Sanjay Dwivedi, CMD, AVNL have graced the occasion with their august presence along with the Chairman, DRDO.

The AWTC which has 26 different types of tracks will help in testing the complete automotive performance parameters of Tracked Armoured Fighting Vehicle. The Weapon System performance less actual firing can also be tested at this test center. These performance tests will enable the Tracked Vehicles designed by CVRDE or any other designing agency to be checked for it’s reliability before being offered to the user trials in the field ranges.

Further, the dignitaries unveiled the Memorial of Former President of India Bharat Ratna Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam inside the CVRDE premises and paid floral tribute to the Kalam’s bust.  The dedicated Engine Test Centre was inaugurated during the Chairman’s visit and the various features of the test facilities was briefed to the DRDO delegates.

Later, the Chairman DRDO reviewed the progress of on-going projects of CVRDE. He emphasized the necessity to maintain focus of complex technologies for Armoured Fighting Vehicles and focus on Powerpacks.