Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E) or R&DE(Engrs)) is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organization. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. its primary function is development of mobility equipment for Indian Army Corps of Engineers.
History The Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) became operational on February 9, 1962. The laboratory's primary mission is to create cutting-edge engineering solutions for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. In the Indian Antarctic Programme, the lab played an important role, especially in the establishment and upkeep of the Maitri Research Station.
One of the significant turning point in R&DE(E)'s history was its involvement in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. Many vital defense platforms, including the Sarvatra Multi-span Mobile Bridge System, Modular Bridging System, Mountain Foot Bridge, Composite Sonar Dome, Mine Field Marking Equipment Mk-2, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, NBC collective-protection systems, and launching systems for land and underwater applications, including Akash, MRSAM, and BrahMos missiles, were delivered as a result of the laboratory's successful development and production of critical ground systems for various missile projects.
Since 2017, R&DE(E)'s electro-mechanical engineering division has been working on the launch vehicle, an element of the ground system that was effectively put into operation during Mission Shakti, as part of the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme.
Makarand G Joshi took over as the Director of Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) on June 1, 2023, succeeding Pradeep Kurulkar, who was detained by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad in May 2023 for allegedly giving sensitive information to Pakistani Intelligence. Makarand G. Joshi was instrumental in making R&DE(E) a leader in composite materials. The laboratory possesses proficiency in micro-electro-mechanical systems and robotics. For the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, R&DE(E) is focusing on composites, shaping methods, radar-absorbent materials, and radar-absorbent paint.
A technology transfer agreement for modular bridging systems with lengths ranging from 14 to 46 meters was signed by R&DE(E) and Indian private firm NIBE Limited in June 2025. For the ten-year technology transfer to produce Modular Bridging Systems in India, NIBE Limited would pay . Complete technical expertise and testing procedures will be supplied by R&DE(E).
Technology centers R&DE(E) is changing from being a systems engineering organization to a technology-focused research center starting in 2025. The laboratory has divided its research into six distinct verticals.
Center for Systems & Technologies for Advanced Robotics (C-STAR) - focuses on the development of humanoids and robotic mules. Studies on swarm intelligence, AI & ML applications, biomimetic robots, and cognition-based robotics. Composite Research Center (CRC) - specializes in using composite materials for airframes, aircraft radomes, sonar domes, armored hulls, and bridges. Stealth technology, fatigue analysis in composites, and structural health monitoring are important areas of focus. Centre for Electromagnetic System Research (CEMSR) - electromagnetic launch systems are the focus. Developing military aircraft launchers and arresting systems. Advanced Technology Research Center (ATRC) - centered on subsurface blast mitigation, smart structures, and land-mine detection. Center for Renewable Energy & Storage Technology (CREST) - constructing small energy storage devices, energy harvesting, and wireless power transmission. Center for Strategic and Tactical Systems (CSTS) - oversees the creation of ground support systems and launchers for strategic and tactical missile programs. Ceramic matrix composites and carbon fiber silicon carbide are the next priority area, according to DRDO Chief Samir V. Kamat, because of their necessity in aero engine programs and hypersonic missiles.
Projects
Sonar Dome Below the waterline, every anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ship is equipped with a sonar array. The sonar dome is a structure that is placed over the sonar array to protect its sensors and electronics from the harsh environment. The sonar dome must be both acoustically transparent and structurally sound. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders received delivery of the bow-mounted Sonar Dome developed by R&DE(E) in 2016. Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders received seven sonar domes from Indian private company Kineco Limited in 2020. These will be mounted aboard Indian Navy's Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.
Daksh robot series
Daksh - Remotely Operated Vehicle
The remotely operated Daksh, created by R&DE(E) in collaboration Tata Motors, Theta Controls, Bharat Electronics and Dynalog India, was prepared for deployment into the Indian Army and Police in 2009. It has a rifle that allows it to blow through locked doors and can detect IEDs and radiation levels up to 500 meters away. Any four-wheeler that is thought to be carrying a bomb could be towed away. It can function in cross-country settings and even ascend a 40° incline staircase. At a cost of , the project was finished by May 2005 after a 30-month development period. Daksh costs ₹80 lakh per unit, while the carrying vehicle costs ₹25 lakh. In September 2010, the initial order of 20 units was placed. The Indian Army received the first six units in 2011–2012.
With six degrees of freedom, Daksh's arm allows to remove explosives from beneath an automobile. It has a flexible workspace that allows it to reach any spot in any direction. It can carry of weight and has a 2.5-meter arm reach. It has another 4-meter reach with an arm extension. Daksh can communicate photos to the master control by X-ray imaging. The master control supports real-time image transmission and display, as well as command and control. The water jet disrupter can disarm explosives in any situation. It uses a diode laser pointer for precise aiming and remote shooting. The water jet disrupter, which is mounted atop, can pierce half-inch thick plywood at a distance of 3-meter when 100 milliliters of water are added. The two front and rear cameras have a 22x optical zoom and focus. When necessary, the fourth camera is pressed into action, and the top wrist-cam is a pinhole camera.
With a single charge, it can operate continuously for 3-hours. It can be operated via fiber optic communication over a distance of 100 meters or wireless communication over a 500-meter line of sight. It was deployed in 2023 Uttarakhand tunnel rescue.
Daksh Mini, and Daksh Scout As part of Daksh series, R&DE(E) created two lightweight robots in 2017 that can identify and neutralize IEDs on trains and airplanes. IEDs and other suspicious objects can be found, handled, and defused by the remotely operated Daksh Mini with high-resolution cameras and a six-axis telescopic manipulator arm. The robot can climb stairs and navigate obstacles because to its modular flipper-based architecture. The Daksh Scout is a remotely controlled vehicle that may be used for both daytime and nighttime surveillance. Because of its portability, it can be used in both limited spaces, such as culverts, and cross-country locations. It can be controlled from 200 meters away.
The Indian Army inducted Daksh Scout in April 2020. Daksh Mini and Daksh Scout were dispatched during the 2023 Uttarakhand tunnel rescue. On a single charge, the Daksh Mini can function for two hours. Up to of weight can be lifted by the vehicle.
Trawl system A mine clearing trawl system has been developed by R&DE(E) for the Indian Army. It successfully completed blast trials in 2017 under the supervision of High Energy Materials Research Laboratory. The tests were designed to show that the apparatus could withstand a series of blasts that were aimed precisely beneath the system. With its trawl roller, track width mine plow, and electro-magnetic device, the equipment can handle every kind of mine that main battle tanks may encounter during combat. Passive and active mines are among the types of landmines that the trawl system can breach.
Electromagnetic catapult
In order to facilitate the launch of heavier aircraft and UCAVs, the Indian Navy reportedly attempted in 2013 to equip the future projected aircraft carrier INS Vishal with an electromagnetic catapult. According to reports as of 2024, Bharat Electronics is developing it domestically with help from private sector companies, even though it was originally intended to be imported from foreign corporations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior Indian Navy officials have been shown the system concept. The Navy intends to obtain authorization to build a full-scale, ground-based model in order to start development.
R&DE(E) has created a scaled-down prototype that can launch payloads up to 400 kg over a short span of 16 to 18 meters, according to a media article from August 2024. They are currently looking for industry partners in order to continue development and scale up for use on future aircraft carriers. The system can manage platforms up to 40-tons in weight. Pulsed power, which regulates the electromagnetic catapult's power needs and guarantees accurate and reliable launches, and Linear Electric Machine, which generates the electromagnetic force needed to launch aircraft, are two essential technologies that have been effectively developed for electromagnetic catapults.
Bridging System
46-meter Modular Bridging System The R&DE(E)-developed Modular Bridging System is intended to allow traffic for up to MLC-70 tracked and wheeled vehicles. It is a completely decked, mechanically launched, single-span, 46-meter assault bridge that makes it easy for the troops to cross ditches and canals. With its high mobility, versatility, and durability, the new system can keep up with both tracked and wheeled mechanized vehicles. It is going to replace the manually launched Medium Girder Bridges.
The two Ashok Leyland Super Stallion 10x10 HMVs launcher vehicles and seven Tata LPTA 8X8 HMVs carrier vehicles make up one set of bridging system that enable the simultaneous deployment of bridges at two distinct locations. The system complies with all quality criteria characteristics and has undergone field evaluation user trials. The bridge design has been verified for 1,500 launch cycles and 10,000 MLC-70 load passes. The 46-meter modular bridge, manufactured by Larsen & Toubro, was introduced by the Indian Army in February 2024. A total of 41 sets, worth , would be gradually introduced till 2027.
Short Span Bridging System In collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, R&DE(E) conceived and developed the Short Span Bridging System. Two SSBS-5m prototypes on Tatra 6x6 chassis, and two SSBS-10m prototypes on Tatra 8x8 re-engineered chassis supporting MLC-70 were developed. SSBS is compatible 75-meter Sarvatra Multi-span Mobile Bridge System. Faster troop mobility is ensured by the SSBS-10m, which spans the gaps up to 9.5 m in a single span and offers a 4 m wide, completely decked roadway. It can carry main battle tanks across various water obstacles and is mechanically launched. Following successful completion of all trials, SSBS-5m and SSBS-10m are prepared for induction. The Indian Army received the first three sets of SSBS-10m from Larsen & Toubro in December 2020. Out of the 102 units ordered, another 12 SSBS-10m was delivered on July 2, 2021.
Mountain Foot Bridge Made of high-strength aluminum alloys, the Mountain Foot Bridge costs less than ₹1 crore. It can endure the conditions seen in high-altitude areas such as Siachen Glacier. It takes around two hours to erect a 35-meter MFB. It can allow up to half a meter of fresh snow to accumulate. With a route 0.8 meters wide, the MFB can span dry/wet distances up to 34.5 meters.