Archive · 6 Sep 2026
India Approves DRDO Missile Technology Transfer to Domestic Industry
India wants more of its defence equipment to be made inside the country.
The government has approved sharing technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation with Indian defence companies.
These companies may produce complete missile systems instead of only making small parts.
At first, they may need to spend more money on factories, testing and quality checks.
Over time, making more equipment locally could reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
It could also make repairs, upgrades and spare parts easier to obtain.
Private companies and smaller suppliers may get more opportunities to join the defence industry.
Stronger production capabilities could help India sell more defence equipment to other countries.
The government approved transferring Defence Research and Development Organisation technologies for all conventional missile systems to Indian defence companies.
The move is part of wider reforms promoting indigenous design, domestic procurement and import substitution.
Domestic missile production could expand local capabilities in manufacturing, maintenance, upgrades and lifecycle support.
Initial investments in facilities, testing and quality systems may rise, while larger production could reduce long-term imported equipment and support costs.
The policy could increase private-sector participation, strengthen supply chains and improve India’s prospects as a defence exporter.
- Who
- The Indian government, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Indian defence companies are involved.
- What
- The government approved transferring DRDO-developed technologies for all conventional missile systems to Indian industry for domestic production.
- When
- The approval is part of reforms implemented over the past several years; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- The technologies will be used for production within India.
- Why
- The stated aims are to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing, reduce import dependence, expand industrial capability and support strategic self-reliance.
- Technology covered
- DRDO-developed technologies for all conventional missile systems
- Intended recipients
- The Indian defence industry
- Primary objective
- Increase domestic defence manufacturing and value addition
- Potential industrial effect
- Greater participation in production, integration, maintenance and lifecycle support
- Near-term cost
- Manufacturers may need to invest in specialised facilities, testing and quality-assurance systems
- Long-term benefit
- Potentially lower dependence on imported equipment, overseas support and foreign-currency-linked procurement
- Export outlook
- Complete-system manufacturing could strengthen India’s ability to offer integrated defence solutions internationally