DRDO defence technology transfer empowers Indian industry with advanced materials like radomes, DMR-1700 and DMR 249A steel, strengthening Make in India and defence self-reliance.
DRDO Transfers Key Defence Materials Technology to Industry
Strengthening India’s Defence Self-Reliance Through Technology Transfer
In a decisive stride toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred three advanced materials technologies to industry. These are pivotal in enhancing the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on imports
The Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) were officially handed over on August 30, 2025, in a ceremony led by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat at DMRL (Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory), Hyderabad
1. High-Strength Radomes – To BHEL, Jagdishpur
Radomes are protective enclosures for missile and radar sensors. The transferred technology enables:
- High strength and thermal resistance,
- Superior aerodynamic performance,
- Indigenous production capabilities that reduce dependency on foreign technology.
This will significantly bolster missile defence programs
2. DMR-1700 Steel Sheets & Plates – To JSPL, Angul
These ultra-strong steels offer:
- Ultra-high strength,
- High fracture toughness at room temperature,
- Applications in protective armour plating and defence hardware.
JSPL will produce and scale this strategic material for use in combat and support systems
3. DMR 249A HSLA Steel Plates – To BSP (SAIL), Bhilai
Designed specifically for the rigours of marine environments, these plates provide:
- High strength and toughness,
- Excellent resistance to corrosion and structural stress,
- Compliance with stringent naval standards.
They will play a critical role in the construction of next-generation naval vessels
Broadening Collaboration and Institutional Linkages
The event also featured the signing of an MoU between DMRL and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This pact will allow the Bureau to leverage DMRL’s technical infrastructure and facilities for investigation and analytical support
Dr. Kamat, in his address, praised DMRL’s instrumental role in bridging research and industry, underlining its multidisciplinary strengths and potential to rapidly deploy innovations at strategic scale
Why This News Is Important
Empowering Indigenous Defence Production & Strategic Autonomy
This technology transfer marks a pivotal advancement in India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing. By equipping domestic industry leaders with core technologies—such as radomes, advanced steel variants, and naval-grade materials—India is lessening its dependence on external sources for critical components.
Supporting ‘Make in India’ in Defence
Aligning with the Make in India initiative, these transfers represent meaningful progress in localising defence production. The selected industry partners—BHEL, JSPL, and BSP (SAIL)—are leading entities capable of scaling these technologies for deployment across missile systems, armoured platforms, and naval vessels.
Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience
By embedding R&D into production, DRDO is ensuring faster availability of critical materials, better control over quality, and greater resilience in supply chains, especially important in geopolitical contingencies.
Expanding Institutional Collaboration
The MoU with AAIB to utilize DMRL’s facilities underscores the dual-use potential of defence research infrastructure—enabling cross-sectoral cooperation and enhanced use of national laboratories.
Boosting Competitiveness of Domestic Firms
These technology transfers send a strong signal to the industry: defence manufacturing backed by DRDO is viable and supported. This may catalyse further private investments and innovation in the sector.
Historical Context: Defence Technology Transfers by DRDO
Tradition of Industry Partnerships and DcPP
DRDO has a long-standing history of transferring technology to the private and public sectors, especially under the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) programme. This enables early involvement of industry in design, development, and eventual production of defence systems
Past Examples in Materials Technology
DMRL has previously developed and shared critical materials, such as:
- Copper–Titanium (CuTi) alloy (commercialized under the DRDO-FICCI initiative),
- High Nitrogen Steel (HNS) with improved ballistic properties,
- Titanium aerospace forgings supplied to HAL.
These demonstrated DMRL’s success in transitioning materials research to production
Other Notable Technology Transfers
DRDO has also transferred:
- Missile sensor-shielding radome tech to BHEL, and high-strength steel tech to JSPL and SAIL (recent event)
- Technologies for mounted artillery and CBRN reconnaissance platforms to PSUs and private firms, further supporting “Make in India” goals
Key Takeaways from DRDO’s Technology Transfer
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | DRDO (DMRL) transferred three advanced materials tech on August 30, 2025, aiding in missile, defence, and naval applications. |
| 2 | High-strength radome tech was licensed to BHEL, Jagdishpur for missile sensor protection. |
| 3 | DMR-1700 steel transferred to JSPL, Angul—noted for its ultra-high strength and fracture toughness at room temperature. |
| 4 | DMR 249A HSLA steel plates transferred to BSP (SAIL), Bhilai, tailored for marine environments and naval vessel construction. |
| 5 | An MoU with AAIB expands DMRL’s application of its facilities beyond defence, and emphasizes DRDO’s role in industry-research collaboration. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What technologies did DRDO transfer to the industry on August 30, 2025?
DRDO transferred three advanced materials technologies: high-strength radomes to BHEL, DMR-1700 steel sheets and plates to JSPL, and DMR 249A HSLA steel plates to BSP (SAIL).
2. Which DRDO laboratory facilitated this technology transfer?
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, facilitated the transfer.
3. What is the significance of high-strength radomes in defence?
Radomes protect missile and radar sensors from environmental and aerodynamic stresses while maintaining performance, crucial for missile systems.
4. How does this technology transfer support ‘Make in India’ in defence?
It enables domestic production of critical materials, reduces import dependency, and strengthens India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
5. Which MoU was signed alongside the technology transfer event?
DMRL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to utilize DMRL facilities for investigative and analytical purposes.
6. Why is DMR-1700 steel important for defence applications?
It offers ultra-high strength and fracture toughness, making it suitable for armour plating and other critical defence hardware.
7. What role does DMR 249A HSLA steel play in naval applications?
It is corrosion-resistant, high-strength steel used in the construction of naval vessels to withstand harsh marine environments.
8. How does this initiative enhance India’s defence self-reliance?
By transferring cutting-edge materials technologies to domestic industries, India strengthens indigenous production and strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing.
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