Missile production gets private-sector push: Defence Ministry clears DRDO technology transfer

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for all conventional missile systems to Indian defence companies for production in the country, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

The move is aimed at enabling the transition of DRDO-developed missile systems from development to industrial production and expanding the participation of domestic industry in the defence ecosystem. Eligible Indian companies will be able to undertake indigenous production subject to applicable qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements.

The companies will be selected through competitive bidding. The selected firms will receive the technology as development-cum-production partners and undertake systems integration in partnership with the DRDO.

The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other technology partners in the missile production supply chain. The Defence Ministry said the move would strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, increase domestic value addition, reduce dependence on imports and enhance the operational capability of the armed forces.

Conventional missile systems

The approval covers technologies for all conventional missile systems developed by the DRDO. The Defence Ministry has not, however, released an individual list of the missile systems to be covered under the technology-transfer process.

Recent defence reports have identified systems such as Astra and Pralay as likely candidates for transfer to private industry. Akash and Nag are also among the DRDO-developed conventional missile systems that have been cited in reports on the expansion of private-sector participation. The specific systems and technologies to be transferred will depend on the subsequent technology-transfer and selection process.

Strategic and nuclear-capable missile systems are outside the scope of the conventional missile technology-transfer initiative. Systems involving foreign collaboration, such as BrahMos, are also governed separately.

The decision is part of the government's broader effort to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported defence equipment. The Defence Ministry has also been seeking greater collaboration among DRDO laboratories, defence public sector undertakings, private industry, start-ups and MSMEs to accelerate the transition of defence technologies from development to production.

“This is a decision that will strengthen the country's Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence policy. It is a decisive step from development to production.”

— Rajnath Singh, Union Defence Minister