New Delhi: In a big step towards self-reliance, defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to Indian defence companies for production within the country.
This will accelerate indigenous missile manufacturing, reduce India’s dependence on imports and expand the role of domestic companies, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in the defence supply chain, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday, as reported by Hindustan Times.
This transfer of technology will allow eligible Indian industries to undertake production of DRDO-developed conventional missile systems, subject to applicable qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements, the ministry said.
The defence ministry had earlier opened the development and manufacturing of missiles, artillery shells, ammunition and ordnance to private sector.
The move is being seen as a significant step towards the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in defence. The ministry said it would help transition missile systems from the development stage to industrial-scale production while strengthening India’s domestic defence industrial base.
“The objective is to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the defence industrial base and create opportunities for the participation of Indian MSMEs and other technology partners in the supply chain,” the ministry said.
India displayed the capabilities of its homegrown missiles during Operation Sindoor, both for offensive and defensive purposes. With Pakistan leaning heavily on China for missiles and other military supplies, India will require a steady flow of upgraded missiles.
This latest technology-transfer initiative would also increase domestic value addition and support the growth of India’s defence manufacturing sector, the ministry has said.
“DRDO remains committed to working closely with Indian industry to facilitate the transfer and absorption of advanced defence technologies and to further strengthen the country’s indigenous defence capabilities,” it said.
This is part of a broader push to deepen private-sector participation in India’s defence ecosystem. The government has set its sights on further increasing domestic defence production, with a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in the current fiscal year and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029.
