In a significant boost to India’s defence manufacturing sector, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred the technologies of nine advanced defence systems to ten leading industry partners, reinforcing the government’s vision of a robust, self-reliant defence ecosystem. The technology licensing agreements were formally handed over at a special event held at the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, on June 7, 2025.
The event, attended by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, highlighted the growing partnership between public and private sectors in indigenizing high-end defence capabilities. The industry partners receiving the technology transfers include Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Forge Limited, BEML Limited, Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, SDR Auto Private Limited, John Galt International, Dass Hitachi Limited, and Goma Engineering Private Limited.
The nine defence systems transferred under the initiative include:
- CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II to Bharat Electronics Limited
- Mounted Gun System to Bharat Forge Limited
- Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked Version) to Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited, BEML Limited, and Tata International Vehicle Applications
- Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for MBT Arjun Mk-1A to SDR Auto Private Limited and John Galt International
- Expandable Mobile Shelter to Bharat Electronics Limited
- Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle to Tata Advanced Systems Limited
- Unit Maintenance Vehicle and Unit Repair Vehicle for MBT Arjun to Dass Hitachi Limited
- Multi-Purpose Decontamination System to Goma Engineering Private Limited
Further strengthening its collaboration with academic institutions, VRDE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune, to jointly research cutting-edge and emerging defence technologies. The partnership will focus on advancements such as blast mitigation, large language models (LLM), stealth technology, digital twin technology, bio-mimicry-based platforms, and non-conventional material applications.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kamat lauded the exceptional performance of indigenous defence systems during Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the importance of surge capacity planning for the industry. He commended VRDE’s role in delivering state-of-the-art technological solutions for land systems and weapon platforms and urged defence manufacturers to continue investing in high-end research and development.
The event was also attended by Prof. Dr. Prateek Kishore, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering) Cluster, DRDO; Shri G. Ramamohana Rao, Director, VRDE; and senior DRDO scientists, along with industry representatives who welcomed the move toward fostering greater indigenous defence capabilities.
The transfer of these technologies marks a significant milestone in India’s defence modernization efforts, furthering the government’s objective of self-reliance, technological excellence, and strengthened industry participation in national security initiatives.
