By Sangeeta Saxena
Leh, Ladakh. 24 September 2024. India’s defence sector is witnessing significant strides in the indigenization of critical technologies, with companies like MKU Limited leading the charge in developing advanced optronics and armour systems. As part of its ongoing efforts to support night-time operations and enhance operational efficiency across various forces, MKU is showcasing its cutting-edge products designed for both aviation and ground applications. These developments align with India’s broader goals of reducing dependency on foreign imports and advancing home-grown defence solutions.
Vaibhav Gupta, Director MKU in a conversation with Editor Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) informed, “We are showcasing some new products here at Himtech 2024, in optronics and specifically as we talk about optronics we would like to make a special mention about night time operations. And here we have many products for night time operations. One specific product is the aviation night vision goggle.”
One of the key highlights at the event is MKU’s aviation night vision goggles, specifically designed to aid helicopter pilots during night-time flights—one of the most challenging aspects of military aviation. MKU has already secured a contract from the Indian Air Force to equip their Mi-17 helicopters with these indigenous goggles. Additionally, MKU is working on a separate contract for the design and development of similar night vision goggles for HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). These initiatives mark a significant step towards India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
“So we are trying to do indigenous innovation and like the forces pledge towards maximum indigenization and less of imports , we are also following the call. And this is a totally indigenous product so now the forces don’t need to rely on foreign technology anymore on this critical technology which is needed in aviation sector. Footfall has been really great.,” Vaibhav added.
In addition to aviation equipment, MKU is showcasing its driver night vision goggles—a dual-channel, stereoscopic system that allows vehicle operators to navigate in darkness with lights off, providing a strategic advantage by remaining undetected by adversaries. The company is also displaying advanced weapon sights, integrated with lasers and range finders, designed for close-quarter combat and long-range detection. These innovations are geared toward enhancing operational effectiveness in counter-insurgency operations and urban warfare.
“So these products are really well qualified and whenever the army is buying , you know products they are doing high altitude trials. So I would like to say whatever is on display here definitely meets the high altitude requirement. They have all undergone high altitude trials,” he added.
MKU has not only focused on the defence sector but has also catered to homeland security needs, with many of its infantry products meeting the requirements of police forces as well. For example, MKU is currently showcasing its latest Level 3 helmet, designed to withstand shots from a Kalashnikov rifle. “This helmet, along with MKU’s body armour and night vision goggles, has undergone extensive and rigorous trials at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, a renowned facility where the Indian Army conducts its ballistic performance tests. With state police forces increasingly focused on modernization, MKU’s products align perfectly with their evolving operational needs. And it is very pleasing understand that even the J&K police has worked in this domain and they are releasing some requirements which are quite innovative and require some amount of research and development. So it is a very exciting time for everybody,” Vaibhav stated.
MKU’s participation at this event underscores the company’s leadership in merging optronics and armour technologies, offering comprehensive solutions that cater to both aviation and ground forces. With a growing portfolio of indigenous products, including aviation night vision goggles and driver vision systems, MKU is playing a pivotal role in modernizing India’s defence forces while supporting the country’s goal of self-reliance. The company’s collaborative engagements with the Indian military and police forces further demonstrate the relevance and effectiveness of these innovations in real-world applications.
