Dr Samir V Kamat opened DRDO’s DTTC-MSME Conclave in Lucknow.
DRDO DTTC MSME Defence Technology Conclave – Uttar Pradesh’s Defence Industrial Corridor: In a major initiative to bolster the defence manufacturing ecosystem, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organized a conclave aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups to play a more integral role in India’s defence sector. Held on September 6, 2025, at the DRDO’s Defence Technology and Test Centre (DTTC) in Lucknow, the conclave focused on advancing Uttar Pradesh’s Defence Industrial Corridor, a key strategic initiative to make India a global leader in defence technology and innovation.
Empowering MSMEs: The Backbone of India’s Defence Vision
With more than 100 participants, including representatives from MSMEs, start-ups, and Laghu Udhyog Bharti, the conclave saw vigorous discussions on various facets of skill development, funding opportunities for research and development (R&D), technical consultancy, and the transfer of critical defence technologies. The event served as a platform for small-scale enterprises to explore the vast potential of collaborating with DRDO to contribute to the country’s ambitious goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
In his inaugural address, DRDO Chairman Dr. G. Satish highlighted that the Defence Technology and Test Centre, established under the visionary leadership of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is now playing a pivotal role in driving India’s defence innovation. He expressed optimism that the collaboration between DRDO and MSMEs would result in the accelerated development of cutting-edge defence technologies.
“The time is ripe for MSMEs to engage deeply in defence R&D,” said Dr. Satish. “This is an opportunity for MSMEs to contribute directly to national security and economic growth, aligned with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.”
He also assured the participants that DRDO would offer full support to these enterprises, including funding, technical expertise, and access to its vast network of research and development resources.
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DRDO’s DTTC-MSME Conclave.
Collaboration: A Path to Innovation and Self-Reliance
The collaboration between large defence contractors and smaller MSMEs has been identified as a key enabler in achieving India’s self-reliance in defence. As per government reports, India spends over $70 billion annually on defence imports, making the country one of the world’s largest importers of defence equipment. A shift towards indigenous production, through the active involvement of MSMEs, is expected to significantly reduce dependency on foreign suppliers while fostering a domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem that can cater to both Indian and global markets.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was not physically present but sent a message to the participants, lauded the efforts of DRDO and MSMEs for coming together to strengthen India’s defence capabilities. In his message, he reiterated the importance of MSMEs in realising the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in key sectors, including defence.
“The role of MSMEs in driving India towards a self-reliant defence sector is indispensable,” he said. “This conclave marks a significant step forward in ensuring that India’s defence ecosystem becomes globally competitive, innovative, and resilient.”
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A Key Player: Uttar Pradesh’s Defence Industrial Corridor
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a central hub for defence manufacturing in India, with the state being a key component of the Defence Industrial Corridor initiative launched by the government. This corridor is strategically aligned with India’s “Make in India” vision, aimed at increasing domestic production and reducing the import of foreign defence goods. The Lucknow conclave is expected to act as a catalyst in providing MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh the tools and knowledge they need to scale up their contributions to the defence sector.
The Defence Industrial Corridor, spanning multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh, is expected to attract substantial investment, create jobs, and establish the state as an attractive destination for both Indian and international defence contractors. It also holds the potential to contribute significantly to the regional economy and create a robust industrial base that will support various defence and aerospace sectors.
Dr. RV Hara Prasad, Director-General of Naval Systems and Materials, delivered an in-depth presentation on the technologies being developed under DRDO’s aegis and how MSMEs can plug into these ongoing projects. He encouraged enterprises to partner with DRDO in advancing naval systems, materials, and technologies.
Meanwhile, Dr. LC Mangal, Director-General of Technology Management, discussed the mechanisms of technology transfer and the technical assistance DRDO offers to MSMEs. According to Dr. Mangal, the goal is to create a seamless integration of MSMEs into DRDO’s projects, thus enabling them to manufacture state-of-the-art defence components and systems.
Dr. Mayank Dwivedi, Director-General of Human Resources at DRDO, emphasized the significance of skill development programs aimed at equipping the workforce in Uttar Pradesh with the necessary skills to meet the demands of a high-tech defence industry. He outlined ongoing training initiatives and assured the participants that DRDO is keen to assist MSMEs in building a skilled workforce capable of working with advanced technologies.
Moving Forward: A Bright Future for MSMEs in Defence
The conclave was hailed as a significant milestone in India’s quest for defence self-reliance. With continued support from DRDO, the government, and stakeholders in the defence sector, MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh and across India are poised to become key contributors to the country’s defence capabilities.
As the event drew to a close, participants expressed renewed enthusiasm and optimism about the future. MSME leaders voiced their commitment to leveraging the opportunities presented by DRDO’s collaboration to scale up operations, improve technological capabilities, and contribute to India’s growing defence capabilities. The enthusiasm for the Defence Industrial Corridor was palpable, with many noting that this was the first time that a large-scale concerted effort was being made to bring MSMEs into the fold of high-end defence manufacturing.
The future of India’s defence sector looks brighter than ever as MSMEs begin to play a more prominent role, ensuring that the country not only meets its own security needs but also emerges as a global player in the defence industry.
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As India inches closer to its goal of achieving “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by 2047, the involvement of MSMEs in the defence sector will be a defining factor. With events like the DRDO conclave, the foundations are being laid for a robust, self-reliant, and technologically advanced defence ecosystem. Uttar Pradesh’s Defence Industrial Corridor is fast becoming a crucial node in this broader vision, and with continued collaboration and innovation, it promises to be a key player in India’s defence manufacturing future.
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