DRDO's ADA and MIDHANI Ink MoU to Develop MDN100 Steel for Aerospace Applications.
Science and Technology
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), based in Bengaluru (Karnataka) and part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). The MoU aims to facilitate the indigenous development of "MDN100," a high-strength, high-toughness special-grade steel, specifically designed for aerospace applications.
- This collaboration will enhance aeronautical capabilities, particularly supporting the 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The MoU was formalized at the Aero India 2025 airshow, held from February 10-14, 2025, in Bengaluru.
- ADA serves as the central organization for combat aircraft development in India.
- The MDN100 Steel offers excellent forgeability and is ideal for manufacturing highly stressed aircraft parts, providing significant weight-saving benefits.
Main Point :- (i) This initiative aligns with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) campaign, contributing to India's combat aircraft programs.
(ii) MIDHANI has been a crucial supplier of critical materials for DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in various aeronautical projects. MIDHANI also showcased SuperNi 41 plates at Aero India 2025, a nickel-chromium-based superalloy designed to withstand extreme temperatures in aero engines.
(iii) ADA’s ongoing combat aircraft programs include Light Combat Aircraft Mark 2 (LCA Mk2), Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and Twin-Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy.
About Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI)
CMD : Gowri Sankara Rao Naramsetti
Headquarters : Hyderabad
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