Defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to Indian defence companies for production within the country, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
HT first reported in October 2025 that the defence ministry had opened the development and manufacturing of missiles, artillery shells, ammunition and ordnance to private sector.
The transfer of technology will allow eligible Indian industries to undertake production of DRDO-developed conventional missile systems, subject to applicable qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements, the ministry said.
The decision is being seen as a significant step towards the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in defence. A July analysis by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) highlighted the rapid expansion of Pakistan’s space capabilities, particularly through its cooperation with China. It also noted that Pakistan was seeking to strengthen its autonomous space-based surveillance capabilities and integrate satellite intelligence with terrestrial communication systems. The approval is part of a broader push to deepen private-sector participation in India’s defence ecosystem.
The analysis said Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) had launched six satellites in 16 months after decades of relatively slow progress. India recorded its highest-ever defence production of ₹ 1.54 lakh crore in 2024-25, while defence exports reached a record ₹ 23,622 crore, according to government data.
The ministry said it would help transition missile systems from the development stage to industrial-scale production while strengthening India’s domestic defence industrial base. “The objective is to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the defence industrial base and create opportunities for the participation of Indian MSMEs and other technology partners in the supply chain,” the ministry said. The Defence Ministry said the latest technology-transfer initiative would also increase domestic value addition and support the growth of India’s defence manufacturing sector.
