Rajnath Singh clears transfer of DRDO missile technologies to Indian defence industry
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi, Aug 25. 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 domestic production, in a major push to strengthen self-reliance in the sector.
The Ministry of Defence said the move will allow eligible Indian companies to manufacture the missile systems locally, subject to applicable qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements.
The technology transfer is aimed at moving missile programmes from the development stage to industrial-scale production while increasing the role of domestic industry in the defence manufacturing ecosystem.
According to the ministry, the initiative will help expand India’s defence industrial base and create greater opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other technology partners to participate in missile production and related supply chains.
The move is also expected to boost domestic manufacturing, increase value addition within the country and reduce dependence on imports, while strengthening India’s operational capabilities.
The ministry said the initiative reflects DRDO’s continued efforts to work with Indian industry in developing and manufacturing advanced defence systems. The organisation will facilitate the transfer and absorption of advanced technologies by domestic companies to further build indigenous defence capabilities.
The decision comes as the government continues to push ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence by expanding domestic production and encouraging greater participation of Indian companies in the defence ecosystem.
