Defence Minister Approves Transfer of DRDO Missile Technologies to Domestic Industries

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technologies for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to Indian industries for indigenous production, the Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The Transfer of Technology (ToT) is designed to allow eligible domestic industries to manufacture DRDO-developed missile technologies within the country. According to the Ministry, the initiative will enable Indian companies to undertake the indigenous production of conventional missile systems, subject to applicable qualifications, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

This policy step aligns with India's broader focus on self-reliance in defence and expanding the participation of domestic industries in the defence manufacturing sector. DRDO has also been advancing its indigenous hypersonic weapons programme, working on hypersonic glide and cruise missile technologies.

The announcement follows recent statements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the expansion of India's defence manufacturing base. On August 15, the Prime Minister noted that defence production has increased fourfold over the last 12 years. Government data indicates that domestic defence production rose 15.6 per cent in FY 2024-25 and 110 per cent from ₹84,643 crore in FY 2020-21. Overall indigenous defence production has increased nearly fourfold from FY 2013-14.

Export figures have also seen growth, with defence exports reaching ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. India currently exports defence products to more than 80 countries, with the government targeting defence exports of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

The private sector continues to play an expanding role in the national defence industrial base. Private companies accounted for 24 per cent of total defence production in FY 2025-26, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other public sector entities contributed the remaining 76 per cent.

"The decision to transfer DRDO's conventional missile technologies to domestic industries marks a meaningful step for India's industrial landscape. By opening up advanced defence research to local manufacturers, the government is creating significant growth opportunities for the private sector and domestic enterprises. As private participation continues to scale—having accounted for nearly a quarter of total defence production in recent data—this policy will help build a deeper, more self-reliant supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem within the country." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes