Archive · 2 Jan 2026
DRDO Celebrates 68th Anniversary with Major Milestones
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th anniversary on January 1, 2026.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO scientists and personnel for their hard work and dedication.
The DRDO has 52 labs and works on many different areas like aeronautics, missiles, and electronics.
It has around 5,000 scientists and 25,000 other workers.
The DRDO was started in 1958 to make India self-reliant in defence technology.
The minister wished them more success in the coming year.
Meanwhile, the DRDO received acceptance of necessity (AoN) for 22 systems worth Rs 1.30 lakh crore to be manufactured by Indian industries in 2025.
These systems include advanced missile systems, drone detection systems, and more.
The DRDO also signed 11 contracts worth Rs 26,000 crore for various systems like the Nag missile system, Ashwini radar, and Pinaka rocket system.
The DRDO chairman emphasized the importance of working with all stakeholders to meet future challenges and fulfill the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The DRDO has also opened its test facilities to industries, conducting over 4,000 tests in 2025.
DRDO celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praising its scientists and personnel for their contributions to India's defence capabilities.
The DRDO received acceptance of necessity (AoN) for 22 systems worth Rs 1.30 lakh crore to be manufactured by Indian industries in 2025, the highest in any single year in history.
Notable systems for which AoN was accorded include the integrated air defence weapon system (IADWS), conventional ballistic missile system, quick reaction surface to air missile system 'Anant Shastra', and long range air to surface supersonic cruise missile (LRASSCM).
The DRDO signed 11 contracts worth Rs 26,000 crore for various systems, including the Nag missile system, Ashwini low level transportable radar, and air defence fire control radar (ADFCR).
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat emphasized the importance of focusing on next-generation needs, including cyber security, space, and artificial intelligence, and called for collaboration with all stakeholders to meet future challenges.
- Who
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, DRDO scientists and personnel
- What
- Celebration of DRDO's 68th Foundation Day, induction of 22 DRDO-developed systems, signing of 11 contracts worth Rs 26,000 crore
- When
- January 1, 2026 (DRDO anniversary), 2025 (AoN and contracts)
- Where
- New Delhi, India (DRDO and MHA), various regions (defence manufacturing and trials)
- Why
- To acknowledge DRDO's contributions, highlight achievements in defence self-reliance, and emphasize the organization's role in advancing India's defence capabilities
- Organization
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Founded
- 1958
- Defence Minister
- Rajnath Singh
- DRDO Chairman
- Samir V Kamat
- Labs
- 52
- Scientists
- 5,000
- Personnel
- 25,000
- Focus Areas
- Aeronautics, Armaments, Electronics, Land Combat Engineering, Life Sciences, Materials, Missiles, Naval Systems
- AoN Systems
- 22
- AoN Value
- Rs 1.30 lakh crore
- Contracts Signed
- 11
- Contract Value
- Rs 26,000 crore
- LAToTs Signed in 2025
- 245
- Total LAToTs
- 2,201
- Tests for Industries in 2025
- 4,000
Sources
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauds DRDO's 'scientific excellence' on 68th Foundation Day, calls it vital for defence preparedness
Army Chief Gen Dwivedi Says Operation Sindoor Ongoing
From Near-Defeat Of Naxalism To Cyber Security Push: List Of Home Ministry Major Milestones In 2025
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'A Testament To Commitment': Rajnath Singh Hails DRDO-Made Weapons's Role In Op Sindoor
DRDO to play key role in creation of Sudarshan Chakra air defence system: Rajnath
