The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on January 1, 2025. Established in 1958, DRDO has evolved from a modest beginning with 10 laboratories to a vast network of approximately 52 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) across India.
These facilities are dedicated to developing advanced defence technologies in various fields, including missiles, aircraft, combat vehicles, naval systems, electronics, and life sciences.
To mark the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi and interacted with senior scientists and officials. He commended DRDO for its contributions to indigenous defence capabilities and emphasized the organization's pivotal role in the 'Year of Reforms' declared for 2025. Singh urged each DRDO laboratory to complete 2-3 critical projects by the end of the year, aiming for a total of 100 significant projects by the next foundation day.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat highlighted several initiatives during the event, including the establishment of new infrastructure and test facilities such as the Defence Technology & Test Centre (DTTC) in Lucknow, part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, and a submersible platform for acoustic characterization and evaluation (SPACE) in Idukki, Kerala. He also announced the launch of an "Industry Interaction Group" on the DRDO website to enhance collaboration with industry partners.
In 2024, DRDO achieved significant milestones, including the signing of 256 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technologies (ToTs) with Indian industries, bringing the total to 1,950 ToTs handed over to date.
Additionally, DRDO opened its test facilities to private industries and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), conducting over 5,000 tests in 2024 alone.
Looking ahead, DRDO aims to strengthen its research and development capabilities by fostering collaborations with academia and industry, promoting innovation, and focusing on the development of niche technologies to enhance India's self-reliance in defence.
