New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) to 13 industry partners. The initiative aims to accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing, strengthen public-private collaboration, and boost India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
According to official statements made during the VIMARSH 2026 industry synergy meet in New Delhi, the transferred technologies cover naval systems, missile technologies, aerospace equipment, communication systems, and defence support platforms.
What Happened At VIMARSH 2026
The technology transfer agreements were handed over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and industry representatives. The agreements enable Indian companies to commercially manufacture advanced defence systems developed by DRDO.
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The move is expected to increase indigenous production capacity and reduce dependence on foreign defence technologies.
Why Are These Technology Transfers Important
Technology transfer allows Indian companies to manufacture advanced defence products within the country. This helps create a stronger domestic defence ecosystem and supports the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Faster Commercial Production
Many DRDO-developed technologies remain in the research phase until industry partners adopt them. These agreements help bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and large-scale manufacturing.
Supporting Defence Exports
As more Indian companies gain access to advanced defence technologies, the country’s export potential can increase significantly. This aligns with India’s long-term defence export ambitions.
Technologies Transferred By DRDO in VIMARSH 2026
One of the key technologies transferred was the Multi-Influence Ground Mine. This advanced naval mine is designed to detect and target stealth ships and submarines.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Defence PSU, and Hyderabad-based Apollo Micro Systems will jointly produce the system.
Semi-Active Homing Laser System (SALHS)
DRDO also transferred the Semi-Active Homing Laser System (SALHS). The technology improves the accuracy of laser-guided bombs, missiles, and artillery shells.
Apollo Micro Systems and Ananth Technologies have been selected for production.
Propellant And Igniter Systems
Three private companies received technology for propellant and igniter systems used in short-range anti-ship missiles. These systems generate thrust and play a critical role in missile propulsion. The selected companies are:
- Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd
- Premier Explosives Pvt Ltd
- Salvo Industries Pvt Ltd
Other Important Technologies Handed Over
DRDO transferred the Zinc Telluride (ZnTe) Single Crystal Growth System. The technology has applications in wireless communication and detecting concealed chemicals and explosives.
Hydro Suit For Submarine Escape
A Hydro Suit technology for submarine escape operations was also transferred. The suit is designed to improve the safety of naval personnel during underwater emergencies.
Heavy Drop System
A Heavy Drop System for C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft was included among the transferred technologies. The system supports airdrop operations for military equipment and supplies.
Electronic Activation Device
DRDO also transferred an Electronic Activation Device. The technology enables remote activation of equipment during military operations.
Wireless Control Cum Actuation System
Another important transfer was the Wireless Control Cum Actuation System. It is designed to improve battlefield communication and protection systems.
New Initiatives Announced For MSMEs And Startups
DRDO introduced several measures to encourage participation from MSMEs and startups. These initiatives include:
- Lower technical entry barriers
- Reduced financial barriers
- Dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities
- Incubation support
- Easier industry participation
The organisation also exchanged strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with SIDM and Laghu Udyog Bharati to strengthen industry outreach.
VIMARSH 2026: Rajnath Singh’s Message To Industry
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that collaboration between DRDO and industry should go beyond production. He stated that cooperation should include research, design, testing, certification, and manufacturing. He highlighted that such partnerships can help transform India into a global hub for defence manufacturing.
DRDO’s Growing Technology Transfer Ecosystem
Defence Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar Singh noted that DRDO has already transferred more than 2,300 technologies to over 1,100 industries. He also stated that technologies related to around 50 DRDO-developed missile systems have been made available to industry partners. These numbers reflect the growing partnership between government research institutions and private industry.
Read also: How DRDO Missile Technology Transfer Could Create India’s Next Defence Manufacturing Boom
FAQs
Companies including Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Apollo Micro Systems, Ananth Technologies, Solar Defence & Aerospace, Premier Explosives, and Salvo Industries received technology transfer agreements.
DRDO Technology Transfer Agreements are licensing arrangements that allow Indian companies to manufacture and commercialize defence technologies developed by DRDO.
The transfers help accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing, improve commercialization of innovations, support defence exports, and strengthen India’s self-reliance in strategic technologies.
