New Delhi: DMRL Hyderabad empowers Indian industry by transferring several advanced defence material technologies to Indian companies, strengthening the country’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The initiative was led by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a key research lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Through this technology transfer, Indian steel and defence manufacturers will now be able to produce specialised materials such as high-strength steel and composite armour used in warships and armoured vehicles.
What is DMRL
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) is a premier DRDO laboratory located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It focuses on developing advanced metals, alloys, and materials required for modern defence systems such as missiles, tanks, aircraft, and naval ships.
DMRL works under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the main R&D agency of India’s Ministry of Defence responsible for developing advanced defence technologies for the armed forces.
Over the years, DMRL has played a major role in developing specialised materials for India’s strategic defence systems.
DMRL Hyderabad: Major Defence Technologies Transferred to Indian Industry
DMRL has transferred multiple critical technologies to Indian industrial partners to enable large-scale production of defence materials.
1. DMR 249A Steel Sheets for Naval Ships
Technology for manufacturing DMR 249A steel sheets (3.15–10 mm thickness) was transferred to:
- Bokaro Steel Plant (SAIL)
- JSW Steel Ltd
These steel sheets are used in naval ship construction and meet strict metallurgical and structural requirements.
2. DMR 249A Steel Plates for Naval Applications
DMRL also transferred technology for manufacturing DMR 249A steel plates used in warships.
Industrial partners include:
- JSW Steel Ltd
- Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL)
- Rourkela Steel Plant (SAIL)
These plates are used in building naval vessels because of their strength, durability, and resistance to harsh maritime environments.
3. DMR-1700 Ultra-High Strength Steel
Technology for DMR-1700 steel forgings and plates was transferred to Saarloha Advanced Materials Pvt Ltd, Pune.
This material offers:
- Ultra-high strength
- High fracture toughness
- Excellent performance at room temperature
Such properties make it ideal for advanced defence equipment and strategic platforms.
4. Lightweight Composite Armour for Armoured Vehicles
Another major technology transfer involved lightweight add-on composite armour for Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) vehicles.
This technology was transferred to NTB International Pvt Ltd, Pune.
Key benefits include:
- 100% indigenous technology
- All-round ballistic protection
- Compliance with international protection standards.
How the Technology Transfer Happened
The technology transfer agreements were formally handed over during DMRL’s 62nd Annual Day celebrations held on 15 November 2025 in Hyderabad.
Key officials present included:
- Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary (Defence R&D) and Chairman of DRDO
- Dr. R. Balamuralikrishnan, Director of DMRL
The ceremony involved the signing of Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with industry partners.
Importance of DMRL Hyderabad Technology Advancements
Here are the following importance of DMRL Hyderabad in the Indian defence sector growth;
1. Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
By transferring defence technologies to Indian companies, the government aims to increase domestic manufacturing of strategic materials and reduce reliance on imports.
2. Faster Defence Production
Industrial participation allows innovations developed in DRDO laboratories to be quickly scaled up for mass production.
3. Stronger Defence Supply Chain
The partnership between DRDO and industry strengthens India’s defence ecosystem by connecting research institutions with manufacturing companies.
4. Better Military Capability
Advanced materials like high-strength steel and composite armour improve the performance and survivability of defence platforms such as warships and armoured vehicles.
Read also: DRDO’s DMRL Transfers Advanced Materials Technology to Industry Partners, Signs MoU with AAIB
