AASHVAST Lab

About AASHVAST Lab:

• AASHVAST stands for Assessment and Analysis of Electronic Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities and Security Threats.
• It is a specialized testing and validation system developed to examine military electronics for hidden security weaknesses.
• The primary goal is to ensure that critical military systems operate exactly as intended and do not contain unauthorized components or malicious code.
• It is developed by the private firm for the Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (DG EME).
• Working:
  • Scale: There are approximately 14 types of vulnerabilities that the labs can detect.
  • Neutralize Threats: It neutralizes the common threats of enemy interference in Indian drones, preventing them from performing their designated tasks in a contested area.
  • Inspect Both Software and Hardware: The facility can inspect both hardware and software components used in drones, communication systems, sensors, and other defence equipment.
    • It examines the software that operates these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – to identify and eliminate firmware-level vulnerabilities.
  • Location based Bug Test: The system examines location-based security controls and assesses how a drone would respond to GPS spoofing or jamming by an adversary.
  • It can scan systems for hidden passwords, embedded keys and remote-access tools. It can also check whether a drone accepts only manufacturer-approved software updates.
• Significance:
  • The launch of AASHVAST Labs marks a major step toward strengthening the cyber security and resilience of India’s defence infrastructure.
  • The facility will help ensure that military drones, sensors, communication systems, and electronic platforms remain secure from hidden vulnerabilities and evolving cyber threats.