Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a landmark achievement on Monday, stating that DRDO has successfully transferred 2,200 cutting-edge technologies to Indian industries, signaling a robust strategy to ramp up domestic defense production. This disclosure came during his keynote at the opening of the ‘North Tech Symposium’ in Prayagraj, a collaborative event by the Army’s Northern and Central Commands and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.
Addressing an audience of military experts, business tycoons, innovators, and startup founders, Singh underscored how the government has elevated defense R&D to a core priority. In today’s fast-paced tech-driven world, he warned, nations must invest relentlessly in research to preserve the ‘surprise element’ essential for strategic superiority.
A significant portion—25%—of the R&D budget is now directed towards private industries, academia, and startups, who have tapped into more than ₹4,500 crore so far. Singh painted a vivid picture of warfare’s metamorphosis, referencing the Russia-Ukraine conflict where battlefield dynamics pivoted dramatically to drone swarms and sensors. He pointed to innovative threats like pager explosions in Lebanon and Syria, which have redefined combat norms and demand comprehensive preparedness.
India is building offensive surprises through advanced capabilities. The revamped Technology Transfer Policy scraps the 20% charge for key partners, while DRDO’s free patent access and open testing facilities empower industries. Hundreds of firms leverage these annually for breakthroughs.
Support extends to frontier technologies including directed energy weapons, hypersonics, underwater surveillance, space awareness, quantum tech, AI, and ML. ‘Operation Sindoor’ exemplified this with homegrown marvels like Akashteer, Akash, and BrahMos in action.
Self-reliance is thriving: FY 2025-26 defense output soared to ₹1.54 lakh crore, exports to ₹38,424 crore. Programs such as iDEX, ADITI, and TDF are catalyzing private innovation. The symposium also heard from Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta and Lt Gen Prateek Sharma.
