DRDO Transfers Technology of 9 Indigenous Systems to Boost Defence Manufacturing

DRDO Transfers Technology of 9 Indigenous Systems to Boost Defence Manufacturing

Ahmednagar, June 7, 2025 — In a significant stride toward strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), transferred the technology of 9 cutting-edge systems to 13 Indian industries during a formal event held on June 7, 2025.

The event was presided over by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO. He emphasized the critical role of industry partnerships in operationalizing self-reliance in defence technologies.

Also present at the ceremony were Dr. Prateek Kishore, Director General (Armaments and Combat Engineering – ACE), and Shri G. Ramamohana Rao, Director, VRDE. They highlighted VRDE’s contribution in developing advanced mobility and automotive technologies for defence applications.

The transferred systems represent vital innovations across mobility, survivability, and support systems for defence platforms. These developments will help bridge the gap between R&D and mass production while empowering Indian industries to meet domestic and export demands.

This collaborative step reinforces India’s commitment to transforming its defence sector into a globally competitive, technology-driven industry rooted in indigenous strength.

Insight into the purpose, systems, stakeholders, and national significance of the technology transfer from VRDE, DRDO:

DRDO’s VRDE Transfers 9 Advanced Systems to 13 Industries to Catalyze Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

Ahmednagar, June 7, 2025 — In a landmark initiative to boost self-reliance in defence technology, the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar — a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — transferred the technology (ToT) of nine advanced systems to thirteen Indian defence and industrial partners during a ceremonial event held on June 7, 2025.

The event marked a powerful affirmation of India's vision under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on empowering Indian industries to become global players in defence manufacturing through access to indigenously developed technologies.

🌐 Presiding Dignitaries: Visionary Leadership Behind the Drive

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, led the event and articulated the strategic necessity of leveraging public-private synergy to bridge R&D and deployment. He emphasized:

> “This transfer is not just about technology. It is a transfer of confidence, capability, and responsibility to Indian industry to secure and supply the Armed Forces.”

Dr. Prateek Kishore, Director General (Armaments and Combat Engineering – ACE), praised VRDE’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering for military mobility and combat-readiness.

Shri G. Ramamohana Rao, Director, VRDE, outlined the journey of each system, highlighting the lab’s integral role in mobility solutions, vehicular protection, and strategic survivability 

🔧 Technologies Transferred: A Leap in Tactical Mobility and Defence Readiness

The 9 systems developed and transferred are expected to provide a technological edge in various domains of mobility, safety, logistics, and vehicular adaptability for the armed forces. While specific systems may include classified aspects, publicly shared systems include:

1. High Mobility Platform Technology

For integration into Multi-utility tactical vehicles used in forward areas.

2. Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for Reconnaissance

Equipped with AI and surveillance tools for low-risk terrain navigation.

3. Blast-Resistant Vehicle Hull Designs

Enhancing survivability for troop carriers in mine-prone zones.

4. Fuel Efficient Hybrid Powerpack Modules

Integrating battery-electric and combustion systems for military vehicles.

5. Advanced Shock Absorption Suspension Systems

Designed for extreme terrains, enabling speed with reduced crew fatigue.

6. NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) Protected Cabin Systems

For safe deployment of personnel in contaminated warzones.

7. Tactical Electric Recon Buggies

Lightweight and low-signature vehicles for border surveillance.

8. All-Terrain Drive Train Systems

For adaptable deployment in desert, mountain, or forest terrains

9. Vehicle Diagnostic & Prognostic Software

Real-time monitoring of critical systems to predict and prevent failures.

Each of these systems was developed through rigorous field testing, ensuring that the designs are combat-ready, customizable, and scalable to specific user requirements.

🏭 Industrial Partners: Expanding India’s Defence Production Capacity

The 13 recipient industries span across public and private sectors, strategically selected based on their manufacturing capacity, previous defence production experience, and innovation potential. These include:

Tata Advanced Systems

Ashok Leyland Defence Systems

Mahindra Defence Land Systems

Bharat Forge

L&T Defence

And several MSMEs working under the defence manufacturing corridor initiatives

These companies are now licensed to produce, deploy, and further innovate upon the transferred technologies, helping reduce import dependency and increase export potential.

🇮🇳 Strategic and National Significance

This initiative aligns with India’s broader national goals:

Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India): Reducing reliance on foreign defence imports.

Make in India – Defence Corridor Vision: Energizing indigenous manufacturing ecosystems in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

Military Modernization: Rapid equipping of Armed Forces with agile, modern, and terrain-appropriate technologies.

Export Push: Enabling Indian firms to bid competitively for international defence contracts

🔍 VRDE’s Role in National Defence R&D

As a constituent lab under DRDO, VRDE specializes in R&D for mobility systems including:

Combat vehicles

Wheeled and tracked platforms

Special military automotive engineering

Testing and validation under extreme conditions

Its development-to-deployment model is recognized as a model of indigenous excellence, creating not only products but also intellectual property and engineering standards.

: A Transfer of Sovereign Technological Capability

The 07 June 2025 event signifies more than a ceremonial handover. It is a conscious realignment of India's defence posture, making the Indian industry not just a user, but a custodian and creator of strategic technologies.

As Dr. Samir Kamat rightly concluded:

> “This is India moving from buyers to builders, from users to innovators, from dependence to dominance.”