Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) technology for all conventional missile systems to Indian industry.
The move is aimed at reducing defence imports and expanding domestic missile production. The decision will allow eligible Indian companies to manufacture DRDO-developed conventional missile systems in the country, subject to the required qualifications, certifications and regulatory clearances.
The Defence Ministry said the move would improve operational capability, increase domestic value addition and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing base.
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DRDO Missile Technology to Move from Development to Production
The conventional missile systems covered by the decision are non-strategic, non-nuclear guided weapons designed for tactical and battlefield operations.
The portfolio includes:
- Akash surface-to-air missile, designed to counter fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and drones
- Nag, an all-weather, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile
- Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) for low-altitude aerial threats
- Astra, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile
- Rudram, an anti-radiation missile series used to suppress enemy air defences
- Pralay, a short-range surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile
- A man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
The Ministry said technology transfer would help shift missile programmes from research and development into industrial-scale manufacturing, while allowing more Indian companies to participate in the defence supply chain.
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Private sector and MSMEs set for bigger role
DRDO has already worked with defence public sector undertakings and private companies, including Larsen & Toubro, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, and Adani Defence, on missile and other defence programmes.
The latest decision is intended to widen that production base. Increasing the number of production partners would help prevent disruption of missile supply chains during future conflicts.
The move follows DRDO’s recent invitation to Indian private companies to partner in the development and production of missile and bomb systems.
The Ministry said the wider participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and technology partners would strengthen the defence industrial base and increase domestic manufacturing capability. DRDO will continue working with industry to support the transfer and absorption of advanced defence technologies.
The immediate test will be how quickly private companies will absorb the technology & build production capacity. If the transition is managed efficiently, the decision could mark an important step in moving India’s indigenous missile programmes from laboratories and testing ranges into a broader domestic manufacturing network.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
