(Online Desk)

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman late on Saturday evening visited the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) at Avadi near herein Chennai.

In her first to Tamil Nadu after assuming office, Sitharaman evinced keen interest in the Arjun Main Battle Tank Mk-II, Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle, Arjun Catapult, unmanned ground vehicles, sub-systems of Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas and 180hp engine of Rustom-II displayed at the facility.

On the occasion, the first prototype of the Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle (ARRV) was handed over by BEML Ltd chairman and managing director Deepak Kumar Hota to CVRDE distinguished scientist-director P Sivakumar, in the presence of Sitharaman.

In her brief address, the defence minister congratulated members of DRDO and CVRDE for their “unstinted efforts” and contributions for the “defence self-reliance of the nation,” an official release said.

She expressed confidence that the DRDO will strive hard to empower the nation further with ‘Make in India’ concept.

Sitharaman released a book titled ‘Arjun MBT (Main Battle Tank) — an Indian Success story’ on the occasion.

The BJP leader also launched a website inviting young engineering graduates to take part in Defence Challenging Applications, the release said.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Chairman S Christopher and Sivakumar made a presentation on the achievements and on-going programmes at the facility, it added. PTI VIJ BN SRY .