India's domestic defence manufacturing sector is set to get a major boost as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies for all conventional missile systems to the domestic defence industry for production within the country.
The decision could significantly widen the role played by the private industry in India's missile programmes as the move allows eligible domestic companies to go beyond mere participation in development and become involved in the indigenous production of missile systems, according to a defence ministry release.
The Transfer of Technology (ToT) is expected to pave the way for the successful transition of missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) into industrial-scale production, subject to applicable qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements.
One of the biggest implications of the decision is that missile manufacturing capacity can increasingly be built across the country's broader defence industrial ecosystem rather than remaining concentrated within the development establishment.
The move is expected to facilitate large-scale indigenous production of conventional missile systems.
The decision also creates greater opportunities for Indian private companies, MSMEs and other technology partners to participate in the missile manufacturing supply chain.
DRDO intends to leverage the capabilities of domestic industry for the development and manufacture of advanced defence systems. This will also help in strengthening India's overall defence industrial base and expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities.
“The provision will enable successful transition of missile system development to industrial production, reflecting the continued efforts of DRDO to leverage the capabilities of the Indian industry for the development and manufacture of advanced defence systems,” a statement from the defence ministry said.
Private companies that co-develop and test prototypes alongside DRDO scientists will be directly eligible for series-production contracts once the armed forces place bulk orders. This could provide industry partners with a clearer pathway from participating in the development of a weapon to eventually manufacturing it in significant numbers.
Another major objective is to reduce India's dependence on imported defence equipment by increasing the amount of manufacturing and value addition taking place domestically.
"The initiative aims to enhance operational capability, reduce import dependence and increase domestic value addition, while supporting the growth of India's defence manufacturing sector," the defence ministry stated.
DRDO will continue working with Indian industry to facilitate the transfer and absorption of advanced technologies.
A report in The New Indian Express, citing defence sources, said India's conventional missile portfolio include Akash and Akash-NG surface-to-air systems, VSHORADS, Astra air-to-air missiles, the Rudram anti-radiation family, anti-tank systems such as Nag, SANT and the man-portable ATGM, the NASM-SR anti-ship missile, land-attack cruise missiles and Pralay.
“The strategic missiles are a separate category and will continue to be dealt with separately. Hence, Agni and the K-series are not part of this transfer. Similarly, BrahMos and MRSAM involve foreign partners and are governed by separate arrangements,” the officials have been quoted as saying.
