‘Everything that’s done in our Pune centre is not only for India but for the world’
4 min read . Updated: 15 Sep 2019, 11:57 AM IST by Ayushman Baruah
Bernard Charles, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Systèmes in an interview with Mint's Ayushman Baruah talks about Pune plant, strategy for Indian market and the latest technologies.
Bernard Charles, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Dassault Systèmes.
Dassault Systèmes, the French 3D design company, recently hosted the 13th edition of its annual 3D Experience Forum in Bengaluru. On the sidelines of the event, Bernard Charles, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of the company discussed among others, the company’s vision and strategy for India and the latest technologies it is working on. Edited excerpts:
Assuming that most of your operations is in your headquarters in France, give us a sense of how big is the India operations and the work that’s done out of here ?
First of all, Dassault Systèmes is truly a global company. So while we are headquartered in France, we have significant labs across Europe, America, and also in Asia which for us is mainly India; and the centre for most Asian activities is in Pune. We basically have three big campuses – in France near Paris, in Boston, and in Pune in India. And then we have satellite labs which are smaller and very specific in science and technology. So that is the global infrastructure. Related to the activities here, of course it’s about sales, it’s about customer relationship. But in Pune, it is an R&D development lab. So everything that’s done in our Pune centre is not only for India but for the world. And it is working very well. I am pleased to have started as a joint venture with Geometric until we were so successful that we bought it back to continue to expand it. So it’s a very successful program here from a development standpoint.
Can you give me a sense of what percentage of your global revenue do you spend on R&D ?
We probably have one of the highest R&D spends; it would be somewhere above 30%. And in terms of resources, it would be even more. And if you add to that the acquisitions we do, most of them are in R&D and science more than sales. So I think if you were to take this into account, it would be more than 40% of our total revenue.
Your main focus in India so far has been on aerospace and auto. But are you focusing on newer verticals these days as part of your growth strategy ?
It’s true that in India we have a strong position in aerospace & space and also in transportation & mobility. We also focus on industrial equipment and machines, what we call general mechanics. This is probably the biggest segment of all because it cuts across all types of industries. Now if you look at the expansion, we are focusing a lot in energy and materials which includes mining software solutions. In India, we are also working with the state governments, starting with Jaipur which includes the digital representation of Jaipur in 3D for urban planning and simulation. I think the Jaipur showcase is a world example. So we are doing world-first things now in India which was not the case 10 years ago.
Which are the latest technologies you are currently working on – artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), etc. ?
Well, first of all, we have been using AI for 25 years now. We started with highly-sensitive military programs around the globe in America and Europe. For example in new material science or new generative design of system, smart observation system, there is a lot of AI technology. The reason why it was not mentioned as AI was because they were specific to a certain usage. The reason why AI has become more visible now is our generic engines with which you can apply it to different types of problems. So yes, we use it massively. On the IoT side too, we are the world leader in manufacturing operation, what we call MES or manufacturing execution system. When you have sensors or robots or machine, there is IoT everywhere. So I think our solution called DELMIA Apriso is probably the world’s biggest data collection machine for manufacturing.
What is your motivation to work with the startup ecosystem in India? For example in this forum, you have announced two startups you will be mentoring.
There are multiple motivations. The first thing I would say from the last two years’ observation is the ambition of some of these entrepreneurs to do breakthrough innovations. My motivation is I want to make sure we work with the best entrepreneurs. There is a certain effect of that, which is why we did this centre in Pune what we call the 3D Experience Lab, which creates an incredible goodwill from young generation to say I want to have this platform to develop my business. So the fact that entrepreneurs will be successful with our platform, I think it is the best marketing for all the companies. Lucid Implants and Log9Material has won the pitch at our 3D Experience Forum in Bengaluru this year.
‘Everything that’s done in our Pune centre is not only for India'
4 min read . Updated: 15 Sep 2019, 11:57 AM IST by Ayushman Baruah
Bernard Charles, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Systèmes in an interview with Mint's Ayushman Baruah talks about Pune plant, strategy for Indian market and the latest technologies.
Bernard Charles, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Dassault Systèmes.
Dassault Systèmes, the French 3D design company, recently hosted the 13th edition of its annual 3D Experience Forum in Bengaluru. On the sidelines of the event, Bernard Charles, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of the company discussed among others, the company’s vision and strategy for India and the latest technologies it is working on. Edited excerpts:
Assuming that most of your operations is in your headquarters in France, give us a sense of how big is the India operations and the work that’s done out of here ?
First of all, Dassault Systèmes is truly a global company. So while we are headquartered in France, we have significant labs across Europe, America, and also in Asia which for us is mainly India; and the centre for most Asian activities is in Pune. We basically have three big campuses – in France near Paris, in Boston, and in Pune in India. And then we have satellite labs which are smaller and very specific in science and technology. So that is the global infrastructure. Related to the activities here, of course it’s about sales, it’s about customer relationship. But in Pune, it is an R&D development lab. So everything that’s done in our Pune centre is not only for India but for the world. And it is working very well. I am pleased to have started as a joint venture with Geometric until we were so successful that we bought it back to continue to expand it. So it’s a very successful program here from a development standpoint.
Can you give me a sense of what percentage of your global revenue do you spend on R&D ?
We probably have one of the highest R&D spends; it would be somewhere above 30%. And in terms of resources, it would be even more. And if you add to that the acquisitions we do, most of them are in R&D and science more than sales. So I think if you were to take this into account, it would be more than 40% of our total revenue.
Your main focus in India so far has been on aerospace and auto. But are you focusing on newer verticals these days as part of your growth strategy ?
It’s true that in India we have a strong position in aerospace & space and also in transportation & mobility. We also focus on industrial equipment and machines, what we call general mechanics. This is probably the biggest segment of all because it cuts across all types of industries. Now if you look at the expansion, we are focusing a lot in energy and materials which includes mining software solutions. In India, we are also working with the state governments, starting with Jaipur which includes the digital representation of Jaipur in 3D for urban planning and simulation. I think the Jaipur showcase is a world example. So we are doing world-first things now in India which was not the case 10 years ago.
Which are the latest technologies you are currently working on – artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), etc. ?
Well, first of all, we have been using AI for 25 years now. We started with highly-sensitive military programs around the globe in America and Europe. For example in new material science or new generative design of system, smart observation system, there is a lot of AI technology. The reason why it was not mentioned as AI was because they were specific to a certain usage. The reason why AI has become more visible now is our generic engines with which you can apply it to different types of problems. So yes, we use it massively. On the IoT side too, we are the world leader in manufacturing operation, what we call MES or manufacturing execution system. When you have sensors or robots or machine, there is IoT everywhere. So I think our solution called DELMIA Apriso is probably the world’s biggest data collection machine for manufacturing.
What is your motivation to work with the startup ecosystem in India? For example in this forum, you have announced two startups you will be mentoring.
There are multiple motivations. The first thing I would say from the last two years’ observation is the ambition of some of these entrepreneurs to do breakthrough innovations. My motivation is I want to make sure we work with the best entrepreneurs. There is a certain effect of that, which is why we did this centre in Pune what we call the 3D Experience Lab, which creates an incredible goodwill from young generation to say I want to have this platform to develop my business. So the fact that entrepreneurs will be successful with our platform, I think it is the best marketing for all the companies. Lucid Implants and Log9Material has won the pitch at our 3D Experience Forum in Bengaluru this year.
‘Everything that’s done in our Pune centre is not only for India'
Fuselage of 6 Apache copters for Army to be manufactured in India: Boeing official
Fuselages of six Apache helicopters that the government has planned to procure for the Army from US aviation major Boeing will be manufactured at a Hyderabad facility, a senior Boeing India official said here on Tuesday.
The Defence Ministry had in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters for the Army, along with weapons systems, from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore. This will be the Army''s first fleet of attack helicopters.
The Indian Air Force had also signed a multi-billion-dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters, out of which eight were inducted into the IAF on Tuesday and the rest are expected to be delivered by 2020.
Asked by when the remaining Apache helicopters will be delivered, Boeing India President Salil Gupte said, "Delivery of Apaches are on schedule."
He was speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony at the Pathankot Air Force Station for induction of the Apache AH-64E attack helicopters into the IAF.
"Twenty-two Apache helicopters are to be delivered (to the IAF) by Boeing. The company stands behind these copters and will be providing sustainment services for the Apaches for years and years to come," Gupte told reporters.
Asked if there was any timeline for delivery of Apache helicopters for the Army, he said there is "no timeline" as of now.
"We have worked very closely with the Indian Army on requirements and will work with the order process as we move forward," the Boeing India president said.
About the company''s participation in the government''s ''Make in India'' initiative on Apache manufacturing, Gupte said there is a facility in Hyderabad which would become the hub for manufacturing of fuselages for AH-64 Apache helicopters, not just for India but also for global customers.
"While these eight Apache helicopters (inducted today) are from the period before the production lines (in Hyderabad) were ramped up, and were assembled elsewhere with final assembly in Phoenix, Arizona (in the US), but the six Apaches, we are working through with the Army, their fuselages will be absolutely made in India," he said.
Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing Co. and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in March 2018 had inaugurated its facility to produce fuselages for the AH-64 Apache helicopter in Hyderabad.
About the Hyderabad facility, he said the line is moving into phased production and it is part of the company''s way of getting the government''s ''Make in India'' initiative move forward.
"So, the fuselages are being made in Hyderabad are not just for India but the entire world. It is a global manufacturing facility for Apache fuselage," Gupte said, adding operations at the facility have been "ramped up" .
On Apaches delivered to the IAF, he said this is the same variant of Apache AH-64E being used by the US Army.
In his address during the induction ceremony, the Boeing India president said, "We are proud that the IAF has chosen Boeing as a partner in its modernisation journey... Some of the specifications of these Apache AH-64E attack helicopters have been tailored to meet IAF''s requirements, to support its operational needs and mission readiness."
Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa too said that these Apache helicopters have been modified to suit the "exacting standards" demanded by the IAF.
Asked, what some of the modification done for IAF, Gupte said, "Some of the specific requirement were on aeronautical performance and specific requirements for missile system. Others are weaponry and radar along with some other parts of the helicopter." PTI KND NSD NSD
Fuselage of 6 Apache copters for Army to be manufactured in India: Boeing official
Fuselages of six Apache helicopters that the government has planned to procure for the Army from US aviation major Boeing will be manufactured at a Hyderabad facility, a senior Boeing India official said here on Tuesday.
The Defence Ministry had in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters for the Army, along with weapons systems, from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore. This will be the Army''s first fleet of attack helicopters.
The Indian Air Force had also signed a multi-billion-dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters, out of which eight were inducted into the IAF on Tuesday and the rest are expected to be delivered by 2020.
Asked by when the remaining Apache helicopters will be delivered, Boeing India President Salil Gupte said, "Delivery of Apaches are on schedule."
He was speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony at the Pathankot Air Force Station for induction of the Apache AH-64E attack helicopters into the IAF.
"Twenty-two Apache helicopters are to be delivered (to the IAF) by Boeing. The company stands behind these copters and will be providing sustainment services for the Apaches for years and years to come," Gupte told reporters.
Asked if there was any timeline for delivery of Apache helicopters for the Army, he said there is "no timeline" as of now.
"We have worked very closely with the Indian Army on requirements and will work with the order process as we move forward," the Boeing India president said.
About the company''s participation in the government''s ''Make in India'' initiative on Apache manufacturing, Gupte said there is a facility in Hyderabad which would become the hub for manufacturing of fuselages for AH-64 Apache helicopters, not just for India but also for global customers.
"While these eight Apache helicopters (inducted today) are from the period before the production lines (in Hyderabad) were ramped up, and were assembled elsewhere with final assembly in Phoenix, Arizona (in the US), but the six Apaches, we are working through with the Army, their fuselages will be absolutely made in India," he said.
Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing Co. and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in March 2018 had inaugurated its facility to produce fuselages for the AH-64 Apache helicopter in Hyderabad.
About the Hyderabad facility, he said the line is moving into phased production and it is part of the company''s way of getting the government''s ''Make in India'' initiative move forward.
"So, the fuselages are being made in Hyderabad are not just for India but the entire world. It is a global manufacturing facility for Apache fuselage," Gupte said, adding operations at the facility have been "ramped up" .
On Apaches delivered to the IAF, he said this is the same variant of Apache AH-64E being used by the US Army.
In his address during the induction ceremony, the Boeing India president said, "We are proud that the IAF has chosen Boeing as a partner in its modernisation journey... Some of the specifications of these Apache AH-64E attack helicopters have been tailored to meet IAF''s requirements, to support its operational needs and mission readiness."
Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa too said that these Apache helicopters have been modified to suit the "exacting standards" demanded by the IAF.
Asked, what some of the modification done for IAF, Gupte said, "Some of the specific requirement were on aeronautical performance and specific requirements for missile system. Others are weaponry and radar along with some other parts of the helicopter." PTI KND NSD NSD
Fuselage of 6 Apache copters for Army to be manufactured in India: Boeing official
European manufacturer signs up to make missiles in India with BDL
MoU signed for assembly, integration of Air to Air Asraam missile and anti-air Mistral.
PARIS: Leading European missile manufacturer MBDA has announced an agreement to assemble and integrate cutting edge missile systems in India with the state owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), with officials saying that new facilities that will be set up can also be geared for exports to other nations.
MBDA, which also makes the entire weapons package for the Rafale fighter jet, has said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 12 in London with Commodore Siddharth Mishra, the Chairman and Managing Director of BDL.
The European manufacturer already makes its Milan 2T anti tank missiles with BDL and also has a joint venture with private sector player Larsen and Toubro to develop and manufacture future anti tank weapons for the armed forces.
The company has announced that the new pact with BDL is for the final assembly, integration and test of its Mistral and ASRAAM missiles in India.
India had already ordered more than 380 of the ASRAAM air to air missiles for its fleet of Jaguar attack aircraft with work ongoing to integrate them on the aircraft. The first test firing is expected at the end of this year. In addition, the missile is also being pitched for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft as well as a future armed version of the Hawk trainer aircraft.
The Mistral anti air missile was in contention for a large order for very short range air defence systems for the armed forces but lost out to the Russian Igla S. However the missile is likely to be ordered for the armed version of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter as well as the Light Combat Helicopter.
The BDL-MBDA combine has already manufactured over 50,000 missiles in India over the past decade, including the latest Milan 2T.
European manufacturer signs up to make missiles in India with BDL
MoU signed for assembly, integration of Air to Air Asraam missile and anti-air Mistral.
PARIS: Leading European missile manufacturer MBDA has announced an agreement to assemble and integrate cutting edge missile systems in India with the state owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), with officials saying that new facilities that will be set up can also be geared for exports to other nations.
MBDA, which also makes the entire weapons package for the Rafale fighter jet, has said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 12 in London with Commodore Siddharth Mishra, the Chairman and Managing Director of BDL.
The European manufacturer already makes its Milan 2T anti tank missiles with BDL and also has a joint venture with private sector player Larsen and Toubro to develop and manufacture future anti tank weapons for the armed forces.
The company has announced that the new pact with BDL is for the final assembly, integration and test of its Mistral and ASRAAM missiles in India.
India had already ordered more than 380 of the ASRAAM air to air missiles for its fleet of Jaguar attack aircraft with work ongoing to integrate them on the aircraft. The first test firing is expected at the end of this year. In addition, the missile is also being pitched for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft as well as a future armed version of the Hawk trainer aircraft.
The Mistral anti air missile was in contention for a large order for very short range air defence systems for the armed forces but lost out to the Russian Igla S. However the missile is likely to be ordered for the armed version of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter as well as the Light Combat Helicopter.
The BDL-MBDA combine has already manufactured over 50,000 missiles in India over the past decade, including the latest Milan 2T.
European manufacturer signs up to make missiles in India with BDL
AYAAN Long Endurance Solar Powered UAV from IIT-K
It is a long endurance UAV, fully autonomous and mission programmable. It offers quiet operations. It also has hybrid option of power as well through battery operated engines. It’s a 100% Green Product. It has zero carbon emission. AYAAN UAV has service ceiling range from 8 km to 10 km. It is a very Light-Weight UAV & Configurable payload from 4 Kg to 20 Kg. Its Cruise Speed Maximum ranges upto 100 Km/Hr. AYAAN UAV's endurance ranges from 18-20 hours. AYAAN-PRO & AYAAN-EDGE’S endurance would be ranging from 18 Hours to 72 Hours.
It is a long endurance UAV, fully autonomous and mission programmable. It offers quiet operations. It also has hybrid option of power as well through battery operated engines. It’s a 100% Green Product. It has zero carbon emission. AYAAN UAV has service ceiling range from 8 km to 10 km. It is a very Light-Weight UAV & Configurable payload from 4 Kg to 20 Kg. Its Cruise Speed Maximum ranges upto 100 Km/Hr. AYAAN UAV's endurance ranges from 18-20 hours. AYAAN-PRO & AYAAN-EDGE’S endurance would be ranging from 18 Hours to 72 Hours.
Tonbo's Non Hull Penetrating Optronic Search Mast for submarines :
Well this is rather high tech. Why is everything named "Kavach" ? Its like "Rudra" all over again.
The company's website : Sri Hans Energy Systems Pvt ltd
The company's website : Sri Hans Energy Systems Pvt ltd
Indian Army tanks now have sharper night vision equipment developed by DRDO
The new DRDO equipment is meant for a clearer night vision even when it's pitch dark. It will have a higher range of sight, compared to the existing technology.
By Amrita Nayak Dutta
Updated: 27 September, 2019 1:00 pm IST
A file photo of the Indian Army's T-72 Ajeya MK2 tanks. | Photo: Commons
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has indigenously developed Thermal Imaging and Day Sight equipment to arm the tanks in Indian Army’s inventory with a sharper night vision, ThePrint has learnt.
The night vision equipment, to be installed in the T-72 and T-90 tanks, is meant for a clearer night vision even in pitch darkness. It will have a higher range of sight as compared to the existing technology, said a DRDO official.
It can be used for both day and night operations, and also boasts of superior image processing features at any given time of the day. Further, it will serve the same purpose on both varieties of tanks, only the mechanics would be different, added the official who didn’t wish to be named.
Out of an order of about 1,000 units of the night vision equipment for the T-72 tanks, nearly 300 have already been delivered to the Army, said the official. For these tanks, the equipment will have a 3-km range for tank targets.
The night vision equipment being developed for the T-90 tanks will have a range of around 4 km and will help in “battlefield surveillance, acquisition and firing on targets” and provide a “hunter-killer” capability to tank commander, said the DRDO official.
The equipment units for the T-90 tanks are yet to be delivered.
The night vision equipment has been developed by DRDO’s Instruments Research and Development Establishment, and is being jointly produced by Bharat Electronics Limited, Machilipatnam, and Ordnance Factory, Dehradun.
Upgraded technology
The DRDO official told ThePrint, “So far, image intensive tubes were used for night sight in the tanks which had a range of 150-200 metres and also required some amount of light to process a clear image. This was an old technology. Now, it will be replaced with the new equipment developed by us.”
There are over 5,000 tanks in the Indian Army’s inventory.
A senior Army officer told ThePrint that the latest equipment will provide better vision at night as it is a technology upgrade for the tanks over the existing one.
“The project started around 2011-2012 and it has been a collaborative effort between the DRDO and the Army.
“The equipment is working well for the T-72 tanks, but there have been some issues with the ones for T-90 tanks. We are working on it and hopefully they should be sorted out soon,” said the officer, who did not want to be named.
Indian Army tanks now have sharper night vision equipment developed by DRDO
The new DRDO equipment is meant for a clearer night vision even when it's pitch dark. It will have a higher range of sight, compared to the existing technology.
By Amrita Nayak Dutta
Updated: 27 September, 2019 1:00 pm IST
A file photo of the Indian Army's T-72 Ajeya MK2 tanks. | Photo: Commons
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has indigenously developed Thermal Imaging and Day Sight equipment to arm the tanks in Indian Army’s inventory with a sharper night vision, ThePrint has learnt.
The night vision equipment, to be installed in the T-72 and T-90 tanks, is meant for a clearer night vision even in pitch darkness. It will have a higher range of sight as compared to the existing technology, said a DRDO official.
It can be used for both day and night operations, and also boasts of superior image processing features at any given time of the day. Further, it will serve the same purpose on both varieties of tanks, only the mechanics would be different, added the official who didn’t wish to be named.
Out of an order of about 1,000 units of the night vision equipment for the T-72 tanks, nearly 300 have already been delivered to the Army, said the official. For these tanks, the equipment will have a 3-km range for tank targets.
The night vision equipment being developed for the T-90 tanks will have a range of around 4 km and will help in “battlefield surveillance, acquisition and firing on targets” and provide a “hunter-killer” capability to tank commander, said the DRDO official.
The equipment units for the T-90 tanks are yet to be delivered.
The night vision equipment has been developed by DRDO’s Instruments Research and Development Establishment, and is being jointly produced by Bharat Electronics Limited, Machilipatnam, and Ordnance Factory, Dehradun.
Upgraded technology
The DRDO official told ThePrint, “So far, image intensive tubes were used for night sight in the tanks which had a range of 150-200 metres and also required some amount of light to process a clear image. This was an old technology. Now, it will be replaced with the new equipment developed by us.”
There are over 5,000 tanks in the Indian Army’s inventory.
A senior Army officer told ThePrint that the latest equipment will provide better vision at night as it is a technology upgrade for the tanks over the existing one.
“The project started around 2011-2012 and it has been a collaborative effort between the DRDO and the Army.
“The equipment is working well for the T-72 tanks, but there have been some issues with the ones for T-90 tanks. We are working on it and hopefully they should be sorted out soon,” said the officer, who did not want to be named.
Indian Army tanks now have sharper night vision equipment developed by DRDO
Some Tonbo Imaging products :
Vault - Counter UAS :
AVC - Vehicle Detection and Classification :
Vault - Counter UAS :
AVC - Vehicle Detection and Classification :