Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), DRDO Campuses

The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), primarily focuses on research, design, and development rather than traditional academic courses. However, it offers specialized training programs, workshops, and collaborative educational initiatives in defense engineering and technology for engineers, scientists, and military personnel. These programs emphasize hands-on learning in combat vehicle systems.

• Main Battle Tank Design and Development: Intensive modules on the conceptualization, prototyping, and testing of main battle tanks like the Arjun series, covering armor materials, fire control systems, and mobility enhancements. Participants learn CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and ballistic testing protocols.
• Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV) Engineering: Courses delving into wheeled and tracked vehicles such as BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, including subsystems like suspension, transmission, and weapon integration. Training includes simulation software for vehicle dynamics and survivability assessments.
• Advanced Propulsion and Power Systems: Specialized sessions on diesel engines, hybrid propulsion, and electric drives for military applications, with practical labs on engine testing, fuel efficiency optimization, and thermal management.
• Electronics and Avionics for Combat Vehicles: Programs on sensor fusion, night vision systems, communication networks, and AI-driven targeting. Hands-on work with embedded systems, radar integration, and cybersecurity for defense platforms.
• Materials Science and Ballistics: Exploration of composite materials, nano-coatings, and explosive reactive armor. Courses include metallurgy, impact testing, and stealth technology development.
• Project Management and Testing Protocols: Training in defense project lifecycle, quality assurance, and field trials, incorporating MIL-STD standards and reliability engineering.

These programs, often conducted in collaboration with institutions like IITs and the Indian Army, span 3-12 months and include theoretical lectures, simulations, and live demonstrations at the Avadi facility. CVRDE's initiatives aim to build indigenous capabilities in armored warfare technology, fostering innovation in self-reliance for India's defense needs. Over 500 professionals are trained annually, contributing to projects like Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) and light tanks. The curriculum evolves with emerging threats, incorporating drone integration and autonomous systems. Facilities include advanced labs, proving grounds, and virtual reality simulators, ensuring participants gain practical expertise in cutting-edge defense R&D.