DRDO Transfers 9 Defence Technologies to 10 Private Players, Boosting India’s Military Innovation

In a strategic push towards self-reliance in military technology, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred nine defence system technologies to ten industry partners. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to fostering public-private collaboration in defence production, empowering private firms with advanced military technology for indigenous manufacturing and innovation.

The Defence Systems Being Transferred

• CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II – Designed to detect and analyze Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) hazards on the battlefield.
• Mounted Gun System – An advanced weaponized platform providing superior firepower.
• Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked Version) – A specialized combat vehicle for counter-terrorism operations.
• 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A – A robust logistics solution for transporting India’s main battle tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A.
• Expandable Mobile Shelter – A deployable infrastructure for strategic operations and command centers.
• Vajra Riot Control Vehicle – Designed for crowd management and security operations.
• Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun – A mobile repair and maintenance system for India’s premier battle tank.
• Multi-Purpose Decontamination System – Capable of cleansing contaminated environments from hazardous agents.

Industry Partners Driving Defence Innovation

The ten private sector companies receiving these technologies are:

1. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) – CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II, Expandable Mobile Shelter  
2. Bharat Forge Limited – Mounted Gun System  
3. Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited – Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked Version)  
4. BEML Limited – 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A, Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun
5. Tata International Vehicle Applications – 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A  
6. SDR Auto Private Limited – 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A  
7. John Galt International – 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A  
8. Tata Advanced Systems Limited – Vajra Riot Control Vehicle
9. Dass Hitachi Limited – Multi-Purpose Decontamination System
10. Goma Engineering Private Limited – Multi-Purpose Decontamination System

Strategic Importance of the Technology Transfer

This initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, enhancing domestic defence capabilities while driving innovation in the private sector. The collaboration is expected to:

• Boost indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports.
• Encourage technological advancements in India’s defence industry.
• Enhance military preparedness through faster production cycles.
• Strengthen public-private ties, positioning private firms as key stakeholders in national security.

Additionally, DRDO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune, to 
collaborate on emerging defence technologies, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of military innovation.

To explain one of the transferred technologies, let’s take a look at the CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II, which was transferred to Bharat Electronics Limited.

This vehicle is designed for reconnaissance in environments contaminated with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) agents. It can detect, identify, monitor, and mark hazardous areas, transmitting this critical information to military formations for strategic response 1

A Bold Step Toward Defence Modernization

With this technology transfer, DRDO is accelerating India’s defence modernization efforts, placing cutting-edge military technology in the hands of private players. This marks a significant shift in how India approaches defence development, ensuring that military assets are produced swiftly and efficiently, backed by the expertise of the private sector.

As India marches towards global leadership in defence innovation, these public-private collaborations will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s military strategy for the future.