Archive · 25 Aug 2026
India Opens DRDO Missile Technology To Domestic Industry
India has approved sharing technology for its domestically developed conventional missiles with Indian companies.
The technology was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, or DRDO.
Private and public companies can use it to make missiles in India, but they must first meet government rules and quality standards.
The plan is meant to move missile projects from research laboratories into factories.
It could help India make more defence equipment at home.
The government also hopes it will reduce the need to buy missiles and parts from other countries.
Smaller businesses, including MSMEs, may supply parts and services.
DRDO will help companies understand and use the advanced technology.
The decision is part of India’s effort to become more self-reliant in defence manufacturing.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved transferring DRDO technologies for all conventional missile systems to Indian industry.
Qualified private and public Indian companies can produce the systems domestically after meeting certification, technical and regulatory requirements.
The initiative is intended to shift missile programmes from laboratory development to industrial-scale manufacturing.
The government says it will reduce import dependence, increase domestic value addition and strengthen military capability.
MSMEs and other technology partners may join the wider supply chain as part of India’s Aatmanirbharta defence policy.
- Who
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the measure, involving DRDO and eligible Indian private and public defence companies.
- What
- Technology for all DRDO-developed conventional missile systems will be transferred to Indian industry for domestic production.
- When
- The approval was announced on a Tuesday; one article dates the announcement to August 25, 2026, while others do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Production is intended to take place in India; the announcement was issued from New Delhi according to some reports.
- Why
- To advance defence self-reliance, strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, increase domestic value addition and improve operational capability.
- Approving authority
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Technology provider
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Scope
- All DRDO-developed conventional missile systems
- Production conditions
- Companies must satisfy applicable qualifications, certifications, technical standards and regulatory requirements
- Potential participants
- Indian private and public defence companies, MSMEs and other technology partners
- Systems cited
- Akash, Pinaka, Pralay and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) were cited among the programmes associated with the broader industrialisation push
- Existing transfer network
- Reports cite more than 2,200 DRDO technology transfers; one detailed account separately reported 2,180 technology-transfer agreements and 2,780 intellectual-property rights opened to industry as of March 2026
- Related indigenisation effort
- The sixth positive indigenisation list covers 405 strategically important items with estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore
Sources
Govt Approves Transfer of DRDO Developed Missile Tech To Indian Defence Industry
India just opened its DRDO missile tech to private industry. Here's why it matters
India transfers DRDO missile technologies to domestic industry in push for self-reliance
From innovation to industrialisation: How DRDO’s missile tech is reaching Indian factories
Govt okays transfer of DRDO’s missile tech to defence industry in Aatmanirbharta push
India Approves Transfer Of DRDO Missile Technologies To Defence Industry In Major Boost To Manufacturing Sector: Why Is This A Big Deal?
