Private industry players in India are set to have a larger role in the development of missile and bomb weapon systems, as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited domestic private firms to “partner in the development and production of missile and bomb weapon system projects of the MSS (Missiles and Strategic Systems) cluster”.
The MSS cluster is responsible for the design and development of state-of-the-art missiles and strategic systems required for the deterrence and defence of the country, according to DRDO. The move by DRDO comes at a time when the country is focusing on boosting domestic defence production through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and seeking to move beyond traditional DPSUs in the development of high-value, complex weapon systems.
In an Expression of Interest (EoI) issued through the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, DRDO noted that the objective of the initiative is to identify and shortlist potential Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) for the development and production of missile and bomb weapon system projects under the Missiles and Strategic Systems cluster.
DRDO has laid down strict parameters for companies that wish to participate in the project, including proven financial health. Companies with an annual turnover exceeding ₹100 crore, established industrial capacity and infrastructure to handle manufacturing orders, and possessing both a defence manufacturing licence and a Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) licence can respond to the EoI.
The firms selected by DRDO after a vetting process, which will also include interviews, will be embedded within DRDO's technical and engineering teams. The organisation will transfer technology to the selected partners free of cost once the development phase of the programme is complete, in accordance with DRDO's policies and procedures.
According to the EoI, the companies that are shortlisted will be considered for project-specific Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
The EoI further states: “Industry partners can also provide upgrades and integrated logistics support to the three services during the weapons life cycle subject to the approval of the relevant DRDO lab.”
Greater participation by private industry could help broaden India's defence manufacturing base beyond the traditional public-sector ecosystem. Bringing private companies into the development stage of complex missile and bomb systems would also allow them to work closely with DRDO's technical teams and subsequently participate in production.
The provision for technology transfer and life-cycle support could further help build domestic industrial capabilities around complex weapon systems and support India's push for greater self-reliance in defence production.
