DRDO Transfers Latest Defence Tech to Industry Partners: Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra – In a significant move to bolster India’s defence industrial ecosystem, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred technologies for nine advanced systems to ten different industries. The licensing agreements were formally handed over during an event held at the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar on June 7, 2025.
The initiative aligns with the government’s vision to foster a robust defence manufacturing base, integrating both public and private sector participation. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Samir V Kamat, who commended the exceptional performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor and urged the industry to plan for increased production capacity. He also lauded VRDE’s crucial role in developing high-end technological solutions for land systems and weapon platforms.
India’s ATAGS Howitzer.
Key Technology Transfers
The transfer includes a diverse range of defence solutions, aiming to enhance the nation’s self-reliance in military hardware. The technologies and their recipient industry partners are detailed in the table below:
| Technology |
Industry Partner |
|---|---|
| Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II | Bharat Electronics Limited |
| Mounted Gun System | Bharat Forge Limited |
| Anti-Terrorist Vehicle – Tracked Version | Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited |
| Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A | BEML Limited, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Private Limited, John Galt International |
| Expandable Mobile Shelter | Bharat Electronics Limited |
| Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle | Tata Advanced Systems Limited |
| Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun | BEML Limited |
| Unit Repair Vehicle for MBT Arjun | BEML Limited |
| Multi-Purpose Decontamination System | Dass Hitachi Limited, Goma Engineering Private Limited |
Collaborative Endeavors
Further expanding its collaborative efforts, VRDE also formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune. This partnership aims to facilitate joint research and development in cutting-edge and emerging technologies, promising future innovations for the defence sector.
The event saw the attendance of other prominent figures, including Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering) Cluster, DRDO Prateek Kishore, and Director, VRDE G Ramamohana Rao, alongside representatives from the industry. This transfer marks a pivotal step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a dynamic defence industrial landscape.
