NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for all conventional missile systems to Indian companies for domestic production, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.
The move is aimed at accelerating self-reliance in defence manufacturing and expanding the role of Indian industry in the country’s defence ecosystem. Under the initiative, eligible companies will be able to manufacture DRDO-developed conventional missile systems in India, subject to prescribed qualifications, certifications and regulatory clearances.
The ministry described the decision as a significant step towards achieving the government’s Aatmanirbharta vision in defence. The transfer of technology is expected to strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities and provide greater opportunities for domestic companies to participate in the production of advanced defence systems.
The decision comes as India continues to expand its indigenous missile capabilities, including work by the DRDO on hypersonic glide and cruise missile technologies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on August 15, highlighted the growth of India’s defence manufacturing sector and said, “In the last 12 years, defence production has increased by four times.”
According to the Defence Ministry, defence production increased 15.6 per cent in 2024-25 and rose 110 per cent from Rs 84,643 crore in 2020-21. Indigenous defence production has also grown nearly fourfold since 2013-14.
Defence exports touched a record Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, with Indian defence products being supplied to more than 80 countries. The government has set a target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
The private sector is also playing a growing role in the country’s defence manufacturing base. It accounted for 24 per cent of total defence production in 2025-26, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other public sector entities contributed around 76 per cent.