Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved on Tuesday the transfer of all technologies for conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to India's private defence industry for domestic production. This move aims to transition these weapon systems from the development stage to manufacturing.
The right to acquire these technologies will be determined through competitive bidding among private Indian companies. These firms will be selected as development and manufacturing partners, and they will also be responsible for integrating these missile systems with DRDO, according to a source in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) speaking to Business Standard on condition of anonymity.
It is emphasized that this decision excludes strategic missiles armed with nuclear weapons, such as the Agni series. Previously, in May, Business Standard reported that DRDO had received instructions to license technologies for non-strategic missiles to the private sector.
Earlier, a source in the MoD told Business Standard that the organization had already engaged private partners to create weapons such as short-range surface-to-air missile systems and anti-ship missiles. Among the most likely candidates were the long-range Astra class missile, as well as various types of ground-based ballistic missiles with conventional warheads, including the Pravaali quasi-ballistic missile.
This step is being taken to enhance production capacities and ensure affordable mass production of conventional missiles. It comes against the backdrop of lessons learned from the war in West Asia and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Pakistan's decision to establish an Army Missile Command.
In an official statement from the MoD, it was announced that Singh 'approved the transfer of technologies developed by DRDO for all conventional missile systems to the Indian defence industry for domestic production.' The Ministry of Defence clarified that the technology transfer will facilitate greater participation of the domestic industry in the defence ecosystem, allowing it to carry out its own production while adhering to applicable qualifications, certifications, and regulatory requirements.
The MoD added that this provision will ensure a successful transition from missile system development to industrial production. The goal is to strengthen domestic production capabilities, bolster the defence industrial base, and create opportunities for Indian SMEs and other technological partners in the supply chain.
According to MoD data, this initiative is also aimed at increasing the operational readiness of the armed forces, reducing dependence on imports, and increasing domestic value addition.