IIT Ropar and Dhash Defense sign MoU on 5 May 2026 to develop next-generation all-terrain vehicles

Key facts

• Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) Defence Research and Innovation Foundation (DRIF) and Dhash Defense Systems Private Limited (DDS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 May 2026.
• The partnership focuses on Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) solutions, including unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), robotic combat vehicles (RCVs), and advanced all-terrain platforms.
• The mobility platforms are engineered for operation in extreme environments, including mountainous terrains, forests, desert conditions, coastal regions, and high-altitude conflict zones.
• The collaboration aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the Make in India framework to reduce dependence on foreign military hardware.
• DRIF will provide domain expertise, operational insights, and applied research support to DDS to identify critical technology gaps and operational requirements of the armed forces.