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In a significant move towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, India's Centre has approved the transfer of DRDO-developed conventional missile technologies to the private sector. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved this decision, enabling domestic companies to take full responsibility for the production of these systems.

The conventional missile portfolio, which includes surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank systems, anti-radiation missiles, and naval anti-ship missiles, will be open for production by private firms. This shift marks a major departure from the previous model where DRDO exclusively handed over its missile designs to state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited for series production.

This transition to a private industry-led model is part of India's broader push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model, initiated by DRDO, has been instrumental in this shift. Under this model, capable manufacturing partners from both public and private sectors are identified through competitive selection, and the technology required for production is transferred to them.

As of March 2023, over 2,200 industries had signed on as DcPPs or Production Agencies, with more than 2,180 technology transfer agreements and 2,780 Intellectual Property Rights being opened up for the private industry to use.

The advantages of involving private industry in missile production are numerous. It allows missile systems to transition directly from the design phase to industrial-scale production, reducing the long lead times that have often hindered the deployment of indigenous designs. By opening the field to multiple qualified private players, the decision also expands India's overall manufacturing capacity and draws more MSMEs into the supply chain.

This move is expected to increase domestic value addition, reduce dependence on imported components, and boost India's competitiveness in the global missile export market. Furthermore, it builds surge capacity, enabling India to scale up production quickly in case of a prolonged conflict and strengthening the country's position in the defence export market.