Archive · 27 Aug 2026
DRDO Missile Technology Transfer Boosts Private Defence Production
The Indian government wants private companies to help make conventional missiles designed by DRDO.
These companies will have to manufacture the systems inside India.
The Defence Ministry says this could help turn laboratory designs into products made at a larger scale.
India has already allowed private firms to participate more in defence manufacturing.
The article says defence production and exports have grown significantly during this period.
Large companies are also working with smaller businesses and start-ups.
This can create jobs and improve skills in areas such as electronics, software and engineering.
The policy could make India more self-reliant if it is carried out transparently and with strong quality checks.
The Union Government will transfer DRDO technologies for conventional missile systems to private companies.
Private firms will be required to manufacture the systems within India.
The Defence Ministry says the policy can move missile technologies from development to industrial production.
India’s indigenous defence production reportedly increased from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014–15 to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26.
The policy is intended to expand domestic supply chains, employment, investment and defence self-reliance.
- Who
- The Union Government, DRDO, the Defence Ministry and private Indian defence companies.
- What
- The government has decided to transfer DRDO technologies for all conventional missile systems to private firms for domestic production.
- When
- The article does not specify when the decision was announced.
- Where
- The systems are to be manufactured within India.
- Why
- The policy aims to increase defence production, industrialise missile technologies, expand domestic capabilities and support self-reliance.
- Technology provider
- Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Eligible producers
- Private-sector defence companies
- Production requirement
- Companies must manufacture the systems within India
- Previous technology transfers
- DRDO has given more than 2,200 technologies to private players, according to the article
- Defence production
- Reportedly rose from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014–15 to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26
- Defence exports
- Reportedly rose from Rs 686 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025–26, reaching more than 80 countries
- Related reforms
- Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, Positive Indigenisation Lists and Innovations for Defence Excellence