Understanding Ceramic Radome

Ceramic Radome is a state-of-the-art technology that plays a pivotal role in the functioning of both tactical and ballistic missiles, along with high-performance aircraft.

• Radomes, situated at the tip of a missile, are designed to withstand high temperatures during the missile’s journey, thereby protecting them.
• These radomes are crafted using ceramic materials, hence the name ceramic radomes.
• The manufacturing of ceramic radomes is carried out indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI, Hyderabad), one of the DRDO labs situated in the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex.

The Importance of this Collaboration

• While DRDO has its own setup to produce ceramic radomes, the partnership with CUMI will aid in scaling up the production process.
• RCI is a premier research facility in India that specializes in R&D in various technologies like control engineering, inertial navigation, imaging infrared seekers, radio frequency seekers and systems, on-board computers and mission software.
• With about 70 years of experience in producing diverse defence technologies and materials, CUMI has made significant contributions, including the production of bulletproof vests, using zirconia-toughened alumina and silicon carbide, armoured vehicles, and more.
• CUMI is also credited as one of India’s first companies to produce graphene for aerospace and defense applications.
• This collaboration will bolster India's strength and self-reliance in the defense sector.

Future Prospects: Public-private partnerships in the defense sector are a positive step towards achieving self-reliance and excellence. Such initiatives need to be promoted further as they contribute towards our programs like Make in India, job creation, reduction in defense imports, and ultimately lead to the conservation of public funds.