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India approves DRDO missile technology transfer to private sector
India's Ministry of Defence has approved a major policy shift allowing the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to the domestic private sector. This decision, cleared by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to dismantle the long-standing manufacturing monopoly held by state-run enterprises and accelerate the transition of missile systems from development to mass production.
The technology transfer includes a wide range of hardware, such as surface-to-air, air-to-air, anti-radiation, and land-attack cruise missiles, as well as anti-tank systems. Specific systems mentioned include the Akash and Akash-NG surface-to-air missiles, NASM-SR anti-ship missiles, and the Pralay quasi-ballistic weapon. However, strategic missiles like the Agni and K-series, as well as BrahMos and MRSAM, are excluded due to foreign partnerships.
This initiative is part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision to reduce reliance on foreign imports and strengthen the domestic defence industrial base. By involving private companies and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the government seeks to build robust magazine reserves and enhance local manufacturing capabilities. Recent data indicates that India's domestic defence production has grown significantly, reaching Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, while defence exports have risen to approximately Rs 50,000 crore.
Entities
Defence Research and Development Organisation · India · Ministry of Defence · Narendra Modi · Rajnath Singh
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Domestic defence production has increased more than fourfold from Rs 43,000 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26. www.iadb.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] The transfer covers the NASM-SR anti-ship missile, indigenous land-attack cruise missiles, and the Pralay quasi-ballistic weapon. bharatshakti.in · tob.news
- [● 2 SOURCES] Strategic missiles, including the Agni and K-series, are excluded from the technology transfer. bharatshakti.in · tob.news
- [● 2 SOURCES] The technology transfer includes the Akash and Akash-NG surface-to-air missile systems. bharatshakti.in · tob.news
- [● 2 SOURCES] The portfolio includes VSHORADS, Astra air-to-air missiles, the Rudram anti-radiation family, and anti-tank systems such as Nag, SANT, and the man-portable ATGM. bharatshakti.in · tob.news
- [● 9 SOURCES] Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies for all conventional missile systems to the Indian defence industry. munsifdaily.com · bharatshakti.in · tob.news · southasiandaily.com · www.winnmediaskn.com · +3 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] BrahMos and MRSAM are excluded from the transfer due to foreign partnerships. bharatshakti.in · tob.news
- [● 2 SOURCES] India's defence exports have increased to approximately Rs 50,000 crore. newsable.asianetnews.com · nagalandpost.com