The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred nine advanced technologies to ten Indian industries to accelerate manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and strengthen the link between research and production.
This premier defence research organisation stated that this step advances DRDO’s vision of building a robust defence industrial ecosystem involving both public and private players.
DRDO technologies transferred to the following companies:
- Bharat Electronics: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II, designed for reconnaissance in contaminated environments, licensed to Bharat Electronics. The vehicle is capable of detecting, identifying, monitoring, and marking areas contaminated with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents, transmitting data to supporting forces. It is designed for use in plains, deserts, and semi-desert terrains.
- Bharat Forge: Mounted Gun System, which enables soldiers to operate heavy firepower while remaining mobile and protected, has been licensed to Bharat Forge. According to DRDO, the Mounted Gun System (MGS) offers rapid deployment, shoot-and-scoot capability, and a maximum firing range of 45 km. Designed for both desert and high-altitude operations, it ensures high accuracy and supports swift movement with mechanized forces.
- Metaltech Motor Bodies: Anti‑Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked Version), licensed to Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited. The Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (ATV) – Tracked is a compact, heavily armoured tracked vehicle designed for high-threat urban and border operations. DRDO highlights that the ATV features a remote-controlled weapon station, thermal imaging sights, and high mobility in confined or rugged areas, making it ideal for swift deployment and safe troop movement during hostile engagements.
- BEML, Tata International Vehicle, and two others: A 70‑ton trailer for the Arjun Mk‑1A Main Battle Tank, licensed to BEML, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto, and John Galt International. The 70‑ton full trailer is a robust modular platform crafted to transport the Arjun Mk‑1A MBT (up to 70 tonnes) over long distances on roads. It is equipped with five hydraulic suspension axle lines (10 axles total, 20 t capacity per line), steerable axles for tight turns, a height-adjustable platform, hydraulic ramps, and secure payload anchoring. It supports speeds of up to 50 km/h when loaded.
- Bharat Electronics: Expandable Mobile Shelter, a vehicle-mounted modular shelter, is licensed to Bharat Electronics. The Expandable Mobile Shelter unfolds on both sides to offer three times its original working space, creating a comfortable and spacious environment for front-line field operations. It remains compact during transport but expands through foldable side, roof, floor, and end panels, making it versatile for roles such as mobile command posts, operation theatres, communication centres, field offices, hospitals, repair workshops, or VIP caravans.
- Tata Advanced Systems: The Vajra Riot Control Vehicle, a non-armoured 7-ton vehicle with 4×2 or 4×4 drive, is licensed to Tata Advanced Systems. Built on TATA, Eicher, or Swaraj chassis, it is used by law enforcement to carry 26 soldiers plus 2 crew members with their riot gear. It helps control crowds and has a tear gas launcher on the roof, fire extinguishers, floodlights, stretchers, a wind direction indicator, storage space for gear and rifles with locks, a public address system, intercom, and its own generator.
- BEML: Unit Maintenance Vehicle (UMV) and Unit Repair Vehicles (URV) for the MBT Arjun, licensed to BEML. These vehicles have been developed to provide maintenance and repair support to the MBT Arjun during training and operations under field conditions.
- Dass Hitachi and Goma Engineering: Multi‑Purpose Decontamination System, licensed to Dass Hitachi and Goma Engineering. This equipment decontaminates vehicles, equipment, personnel, and terrain from biological and chemical warfare agents. It features a chemical delivery system with a backup pump, a diesel-fired boiler, and a control system that delivers hot or cold water and high-pressure steam. The system is portable and can be carried by vehicles or helicopters.
Leadership commends indigenous innovation
Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, handed over the technology licenses at DRDO’s Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
Dr Kamat praised the DRDO and industry teams for the outstanding performance of these indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor. He encouraged partner firms to anticipate increased demand and expand capacity, emphasizing DRDO’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology.
VRDE signs MoU with COEP, Pune
Alongside the technology transfers, VRDE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with COEP Technological University, Pune, to promote research in advanced defence technologies and emerging fields, fostering academia–industry collaboration.
Aiming to strengthen India’s defence self-reliance
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission to develop India’s domestic defence sector by equipping Indian industries with state-of-the-art defence technologies.