Make in India Boost: DRDO Transfers 9 Defence Techs!

New Delhi:

DRDO Transfers Nine Critical Defence Technologies:

In a major initiative to expand domestic defence production, DRDO has transferred nine land‑based systems and weapon platforms including advanced mounted artillery guns and CBRN reconnaissance vehicles to both public and private firms. The transfer aims to accelerate indigenous production and equip the armed forces with cutting-edge homegrown technology.

Bharat Forge Secures Landmark Artillery Deal:

Bharat Forge has clinched one of its largest-ever domestic defence contracts: 184 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), jointly developed with DRDO and the MoD, worth ₹6,900 crore, covering about 60% of the total procurement. The stock jumped 3% following the announcement .

BEL Collaborates for HAMMER & Radar Systems:

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has forged key partnerships under the indigenisation drive:

Formed a JV with Safran (France) to produce HAMMER air to ground weapons in India.
Joined hands with Israel Aerospace (IAI) to support Indian MR-SAM systems.
Set up MoUs with BEML and MIDHANI to co-develop advanced engine control systems for armoured vehicles.

Reddit data also shows BEL’s order book topping ₹80,000 crore, largely driven by radar upgrades and missile systems like Akash‑NG.

BEML Advances with DRDO & PSU Partnerships:

BEML, a key defence PSU, is leveraging strategic collaborations:

At Aero India 2023, it sealed 11 MoUs with DRDO labs, DPSUs, and startups aimed at UAVs, demining equipment for tanks, and airframe composites.
These partnerships underscore its focus on technological innovation and tripartite R&D initiatives .

The Bigger Picture: Self-Reliance on Track:

Defence output reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, a 17% jump over FY 22–23,exports touched a record ₹21,083 crore.
The MoD’s 5th Positive Indigenisation List mandates procurement of 98 systems ncl. drones, radars, sensors solely from domestic suppliers, boosting BEL, BEML, Bharat Forge, HAL, BDL, and more.
Private-sector participation (including Bharat Forge, Mahindra, Tata) accounted for 20.8% of FY24 output 21% growth over previous year.

What This Means:

Strategic autonomy: Reducing import dependency and bolstering national security.

Scale-up: Local companies now manufacturing high-end platforms artillery systems, radar, UAVs.

Economic multiplier: Generates jobs, ensures technology transfer, and fosters global competitiveness.

India’s defence sector today is a dynamic ecosystem where DRDO tech transfers, ambitious PSUs, and proactive private firms like Bharat Forge are converging to fulfil the “Make in India” dream. As critical systems move from laboratories to factories, the nation inches closer to achieving true strategic independence in defence.