India opens missile technologies to domestic industry

An Akash surface-to-air missile launcher. Akash is among the DRDO-developed missile systems that could fall within the scope of India's new technology-transfer initiative, although the MoD has not identified the systems covered. (DRDO)

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer to domestic defence companies of technologies for all conventional missile systems developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 25 August that the technology-transfer provision would enable qualified Indian companies to produce the missiles domestically, subject to certification and regulatory requirements.

The decision is intended to transition DRDO technologies from development to production and to expand India's manufacturing capability. It is also expected to create opportunities for private-sector firms including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other technology partners.

“DRDO remains committed to working closely with Indian industry to facilitate the transfer and absorption of advanced defence technologies and to further strengthen the country's indigenous defence capabilities,” the MoD said.

The ministry did not identify the missile systems covered by the approval or disclose prospective recipients, selection procedures, or any implementation timelines. Neither did it specify whether technologies would be licensed to multiple manufacturers or allocated through individual programmes.

Potential missile candidates include DRDO-developed conventional weapons such as the Akash family of surface-to-air missiles, the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), the Astra air-to-air missile, the Pralay surface-to-surface missile, and the Naval Anti-Ship Missile family.

State-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is India's traditional and principal manufacturer of many DRDO-developed missile technologies.