Rajnath Singh unveils new financial powers framework to accelerate DRDO projects

New Delhi, June 29. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on June 29 unveiled the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), a major reform aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and the timely execution of strategic research and development projects undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Releasing the new framework in New Delhi on June 29, Singh said the DFP-2026 would enable faster production and induction of defence systems, platforms and technologies emerging from the country’s research and development ecosystem into the armed forces.

He said the revised financial powers framework would also promote stronger collaboration between the defence sector, industry and academia, thereby advancing the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India). According to the Defence Minister, the reforms are expected to enhance India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies and strengthen the country’s defence preparedness.

The DFP-2026 seeks to provide greater functional empowerment at different levels within the Department of Defence Research and Development. The revised framework includes dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, testing and evaluation activities, while also authorising the sanctioning of pre-project R&D initiatives.

It further introduces a clear separation of financial powers relating to grants-in-aid for Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence and projects undertaken under the Technology Development Fund scheme.

The event was attended by senior defence and government officials, including General NS Raja Subramani, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Sanjeev Kumar, Sukriti Likhi, Anugraha Narayana Das, RV Hara Prasad, Ravindra Singh, Ajeet Kumar Srivastava and Maiya Din.