Defence minister okays DRDO missile tech transfer to private domestic industry

In a significant move to foster self-reliance in India's defense manufacturing sector, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of conventional missile technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to domestic private industry. These non-strategic, non-nuclear guided weapons are designed for tactical and traditional battlefield operations.

The primary goal is to enhance operational capability, decrease import dependence, and bolster domestic value addition within the defense manufacturing sector.

While DRDO has previously collaborated with various defense Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private companies such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, and Adani Defence on several missile and defense system projects, this government initiative aims to expand the number of production partners. The aim is to ensure a stable supply chain for missiles and related systems in case of a future conflict.

DRDO has developed a diverse range of conventional missile systems, including surface-to-air missile Akash, all-weather, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile Nag, Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORDS) for low-altitude aerial threats, Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, Rudram anti-radiation missile series, Pralay short-range, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile, and man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).

The transfer of technology for these systems represents a crucial step towards increasing the involvement of domestic industries in the defense ecosystem, enabling them to undertake indigenous production while adhering to applicable qualifications, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

The decision to transfer missile technology comes after DRDO recently invited domestic private companies to partner in the development and production of missile and bomb weapon system projects, encompassing the missile and strategic systems cluster. This move seeks to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the defense industrial base, and provide opportunities for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other technology partners to participate in the supply chain.

The transfer will facilitate the successful transition of missile system development from laboratory to industrial production, showcasing DRDO's ongoing commitment to leveraging India's industrial capabilities for the advancement and manufacture of sophisticated defense systems.