DRDO Unlocks Unprecedented Growth with 2,000+ Tech Transfers
- DRDO signed over 2,000 technology transfer agreements in 2024, marking a major step in defence-industry collaboration.
- More than 200 production licences were issued, and 130+ private industries partnered with DRDO for indigenous defence manufacturing.
- The Technology Development Fund offers up to Rs 50 crore per project to private firms, boosting innovation with financial and technical backing.
In a landmark achievement, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed over 2,000 technology transfer licensing agreements with Indian industries in 2024, signaling a sharp rise in private sector participation in the country’s defence ecosystem.
The announcement was made by Chandrika Kaushik, Director General (PC&SI), DRDO, during the CII Manufacturing Conclave East held in Kolkata on July 9. “Over 2,000 agreements were signed for technology transfer licences”, Kaushik said, highlighting DRDO’s commitment to empowering domestic manufacturing through strategic collaborations.
In addition to technology transfers, more than 200 production licences were issued this year, reflecting the accelerating pace of indigenisation in defence production. Over the past five years, DRDO has onboarded more than 130 private industries as development partners or production agencies.
A key enabler in this success has been the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. The program encourages private firms to develop core defence technologies, offering up to Rs 50 crore in financial assistance per project, along with technical mentorship from DRDO scientists.
The conclave also spotlighted CII’s Market Facilitation Services (MFS), aimed at helping Indian manufacturers expand globally, aligning with India's ambition to become a major player in international defence and manufacturing markets.
