DRDO and India’s Defence Research Capabilities

Published on 17 Feb 2025

India's defence research is crucial for achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies, strengthening national security, and upholding sovereignty. Established in 1958, DRDO has led the indigenous design and production of advanced weapon systems for the Indian Armed Forces.

Responsibilities of DRDO

✔     Indigenous Design: Develop state-of-the-art weapon systems required by the Armed Forces.

✔     Futuristic Defence Technologies: Focus on areas such as missiles, armaments, electronics, and combat vehicles.

✔     Countermeasures: Develop countermeasures for NBC threats, advanced materials, and robotics.

✔     Support to Industry: Transfer of Technology (ToT) to enhance the defence ecosystem.

Notable Achievements

✔     Aeronautics Systems (Aero): Development of LCA Tejas, UAVs like Lakshya and Nishant, aerostats, and avionics.

✔     Missiles and Strategic Systems (MSS): Achievements include Agni, Prithvi, Dhanush missiles, and the BrahMos cruise missile.

✔     Naval Systems and Materials (NSM): Development of sonars (Humsa, Ushus), torpedoes, and submarine technologies.

✔     Armament and Combat Engineering Systems (ACE): Development of Arjun Tank, Pinaka MBRL, and advanced armaments.

Challenges Faced by DRDO

✔     Project Delays: Complex projects face time and cost overruns, e.g., LCA Tejas took over 3 decades.

✔     Dependence on Imports: India still imports a significant portion of defence equipment and critical components.

●       Example: The LCA Tejas uses imported GE-404 engines due to challenges in developing indigenous jet engines.

✔     Budget Constraints: Limited budget allocation (~8% of defence budget) hampers advanced R&D.

✔     Technology Gaps: India still lacks capabilities in areas like jet engines and semiconductors.

●       Example: The absence of commercial-scale semiconductor fabrication facilities impacts the development of indigenous radars

Way Forward

✔     Talent Management: Merit-based pay, fast-track career growth, and higher studies sponsorship for scientists.

●       Example: DRDO’s merit-based scholarships sponsor higher studies for scientists, promoting skill enhancement.

✔     Academia Collaboration: Joint R&D projects, student internships, and industry-sponsored academic chairs.

●       Example: ISRO partners with IITs for joint R&D projects and student internships, driving innovation.

✔     Defence PSU Reforms: Strategic partnerships, greater R&D investments, and operational autonomy.

✔     Startup Ecosystem: Support through initiatives like iDEX for testing infrastructure, funding, and procurement.

●       Example: iDEX provides startups with funding and testing facilities to develop advanced defence solutions.

PYQs

How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (2021)

Tags:
Security

Keywords:
DRDO Defence Research

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security