DRDO Strengthens Industry Collaboration to Accelerate Aatmanirbhar Defence Innovation

In a major push toward advancing India’s defence self-reliance vision under Aatmanirbharta and Viksit Bharat, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) convened a high-impact Industry Outreach Programme at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The initiative brought together an impressive mix of scientific leadership and industrial stakeholders focused on building India’s next-generation defence technologies.

The outreach programme witnessed participation from 220 DRDO scientists representing 18 advanced laboratories across North India, alongside 271 industry leaders from defence, aerospace, strategic manufacturing and emerging technology enterprises. The extensive turnout underscored the expanding partnership between DRDO and India’s private sector, which is now playing a pivotal role in strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem.

New Procedure Launched Under DRDO ToT Policy 2025

One of the most significant developments during the event was the release of a new procedure under DRDO’s Technology Transfer (ToT) Policy – 2025. The updated framework aims to streamline technology-sharing processes, reduce compliance bottlenecks, and accelerate the commercial adoption of DRDO-developed innovations.

Industry representatives welcomed the move, noting that a simplified ToT pathway will help MSMEs and domestic manufacturers integrate defence-grade technologies into mainstream production faster.

High-Level Participation Signals Strong Government Commitment

The programme was led by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, who served as the Chief Guest. Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), graced the event as Guest of Honour.

In his keynote address, Dr. Kamat expressed confidence that the next five years will mark a transformational phase for India’s defence industrial base. With consistent policy reforms and deepening industry partnerships, he projected that India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities will expand “manifold,” enabling the nation to meet growing defence and strategic requirements domestically.

He invited industry to proactively collaborate with DRDO, especially in areas involving advanced materials, next-gen electronics, space technologies, AI-led defence systems, avionics, and cyber warfare solutions.

Shri Sanjeev Kumar further reinforced the government’s commitment to indigenous production. He emphasised that true self-reliance can only be achieved when the entire value chain — from design and prototyping to scaled manufacturing — is executed within India.

Open House Dialogue Brings Policy and Industry Closer

A key highlight of the programme was an engaging open house discussion, where DRDO experts, senior officials and the Secretary (Defence Production) interacted directly with industry delegates. Several queries on procurement complexities, production challenges, standardisation, R&D collaboration and PSU–private sector coordination were addressed.

Industry leaders appreciated the transparency of the platform, which enabled them to discuss longstanding operational and policy concerns openly.

The programme also featured brainstorming sessions involving DRDO’s corporate directorates, which showcased how indigenous R&D efforts at various laboratories translate into deployable technologies for the armed forces and strategic agencies.

India Emerging as a Global Defence Exporter

Setting the strategic tone for the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Chandrika Kaushik, DG (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), highlighted the rapid progress India has made in reducing import dependency.

She underscored a significant shift: India is transitioning from being a major importer to becoming a steady exporter of defence technologies. She urged domestic industries—especially innovative MSMEs—to commit to sustained research and deeper co-development projects with DRDO, enabling India to compete globally in defence manufacturing.

SMEStreet View: A Defining Moment for India’s Defence MSME Sector

For thousands of Indian MSMEs operating in precision engineering, electronics, components manufacturing, UAV systems, sensors and AI-driven solutions, DRDO’s outreach marks a powerful opportunity.

With clearer policy frameworks, collaborative R&D windows, and growing export momentum, MSMEs are now positioned to become crucial contributors to India’s defence value chain. The focus on long-term partnerships and technology access reinforces a future where India’s defence sector thrives on indigenous innovation rather than imports.