DRDO missile tech transfer approved: A major push for domestic defence manufacturing
In a significant move aimed at boosting self-reliance in defence production, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies for all conventional missile systems to the Indian defence industry. The decision will enable domestic firms to manufacture these systems within the country, officials said on Sunday.
The Ministry of Defence described the approval as an “important milestone” in promoting greater participation of domestic industries in the defence ecosystem. “The provision will enable successful transition of missile system development to industrial production, reflecting the continued efforts of DRDO to leverage the capabilities of the Indian industry for the development and manufacture of advanced defence systems,” the ministry said in a statement.
The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the defence industrial base. According to the ministry, the objective is to create opportunities for the participation of Indian MSMEs and other technology partners in the supply chain. This is expected to encourage a wider network of suppliers and integrators, reducing dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers.
Defence analysts note that the transfer of technology for complete missile systems — rather than just components — marks a significant step forward. It allows Indian companies to take on end-to-end production responsibilities, including assembly, integration, and testing. This could shorten production timelines and lower costs over the long term, while also enabling quicker upgrades as technology evolves.
The decision aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India initiative, under which the defence sector has seen a series of reform measures. These include notifying positive indigenisation lists, increasing foreign direct investment limits, and simplifying the industrial licensing process. The aim is to position India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment, both for domestic use and export.
DRDO has a long history of developing missile systems such as the Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Nag, and BrahMos (in partnership with Russia). Several of these systems have already been inducted into the armed forces. The technology transfer now approved is expected to cover production know-how for both land-based and ship-launched variants, although the ministry has not detailed the specific systems included in the latest approval.
Industry bodies have welcomed the decision. They argue that sustained technology transfers will help Indian companies build the necessary expertise and infrastructure for advanced defence manufacturing. “This is a welcome step that will encourage private industry to invest in R&D and production capabilities,” said a representative of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), speaking on condition of anonymity.
The ministry added that DRDO will continue to provide technical support during the production phase to ensure quality and reliability. The transfer is also expected to open up new avenues for innovation, as private firms may adapt or enhance the technologies with their own intellectual property.
Experts point out that while the approval is a positive signal, the actual impact will depend on how quickly the transfer process is executed and how effectively industry partners absorb the technology. Issues such as intellectual property rights, export controls, and testing facilities will need to be addressed to fully realise the potential of this move.
With the government setting a defence production target of $25 billion by 2025, including exports of $5 billion, the transfer of missile technologies to Indian industry is seen as a critical enabler. It is expected to reduce import dependency in a strategic area and contribute to the country’s overall defence preparedness.
