New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of Defence Research and Development Organisation technologies related to all conventional missile systems to Indian companies for indigenous production, marking a major push towards greater self reliance in defence manufacturing.
The Defence Ministry said the Transfer of Technology will enable eligible Indian industries to manufacture DRDO developed conventional missile systems within the country. Production will be subject to prescribed qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements.
The move is aimed at expanding the role of domestic companies in India’s defence ecosystem while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. It is also expected to strengthen the country’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities and support the government’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat objective in the defence sector.
The decision comes as India continues to expand its domestic capabilities across a range of advanced defence technologies. The DRDO is also working on emerging systems, including hypersonic glide and cruise missile technologies.
India’s defence manufacturing sector has recorded substantial growth in recent years. Defence production increased 15.6 per cent during 2024 to 2025 and has risen significantly compared with 2020 to 2021. Indigenous production has also grown nearly fourfold since 2013 to 2014.
Defence exports have expanded alongside domestic production. India recorded defence exports worth Rs 38,424 crore during 2025 to 2026, with Indian defence products reaching more than 80 countries. The government has set a target of increasing defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
The private sector is also playing a growing role in this expansion. Private companies accounted for around 24 per cent of total defence production during 2025 to 2026, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other public sector entities contributed the remaining share.
The transfer of DRDO missile technologies is expected to further widen opportunities for Indian companies, strengthen the domestic defence supply chain and accelerate the development of an increasingly self reliant defence industrial base.
