India To Transfer State-developed Missile Technology To Domestic Defence Companies

By Shakir Husain

HYDERABAD, Aug 25 (NNN) -- The Indian government will transfer missile technology developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to domestic corporate players in a move to boost arms production.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “has approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies of all conventional missile systems to the Indian defence industry for production within the country,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

It said the step was taken to achieve India's goal of self-reliance in defence.

The transfer of technology to defence manufacturers “marks an important milestone in promoting greater participation of the domestic industries in the defence ecosystem” and creates opportunities for the participation of Indian small and medium-scale companies in the supply chain, the ministry said.

“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,” it added.

The DRDO has developed some of the most advanced missiles in India’s arsenal, including the Agni series.

The agency's product range includes surface-to-air systems, air-to-air missiles, anti-tank weapons and anti-ship missiles.

It received an allocation of 291 billion rupees (about US$3 billion) in the 2026-27 national budget.

India has in recent years sought to encourage more private companies to be involved in arms production.

Some of the country's largest corporate names such as Tata Group, Mahindra, Hinduja, Larsen & Toubro, Kalyani Group and Gujarat-based Adani Enterprises, have a significant presence in the defence sector.

-- NNN-BERNAMA