DRDO Reshapes Research Focus for Stronger Defense R&D

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a major step towards enhancing its research focus by redefining and expanding its Research Verticals and Thrust Areas across its Industry Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Announced on February 7, 2025, by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) at DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, this move aims to streamline research efforts, incorporate cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen India’s defense capabilities.

How Has DRDO Expanded Its Research Verticals?

Earlier, DRDO had 65 Research Verticals across 15 DIA-CoEs, but with this expansion, the number has grown to 82. This shift ensures that DRDO laboratories can explore future technology requirements in greater depth, especially in deep technology research areas. By refining the research focus, DRDO aims to enhance innovation, collaboration, and efficiency in defense research.

The primary objective behind this expansion is to minimize redundancy and optimize resource utilization. This restructuring also allows for better synergy between academia, industry, and DRDO to accelerate the development of advanced defense technologies.

What Are the Key Research Areas Added?

Several new research domains have been introduced to ensure that DRDO stays ahead in defense innovation. The newly included areas and their respective academic partners are:

Compound Semiconductor Technologies (IIT Bombay): Research on advanced semiconductor materials to boost the performance of electronic and photonic devices.

Laser Beam Combining-Based Communication, Power Transmission & Manufacturing (IIT Hyderabad): Investigating laser applications in communication, energy transfer, manufacturing, and material recycling.

Software Defined Radios (IIT Kanpur): Developing adaptable radio systems that can be reprogrammed for various communication standards.

Emerging RF Technologies (IIT Roorkee): Exploring advancements in radio frequency technologies for better communication and sensing systems.

Cryptography and Information Security (IIT Kharagpur): Strengthening cybersecurity and data protection to safeguard sensitive defense information.

These additions align with the growing need for secure, advanced, and efficient defense technologies in the modern warfare landscape.

Why Is This Realignment Crucial for India’s Defense Future?

DRDO’s move is part of a larger reform strategy aimed at making India’s defense R&D more effective, collaborative, and future-ready. This restructuring aligns with recommendations from an August 2023 committee led by former Principal Scientific Advisor Vijay Raghavan, which was tasked with revamping DRDO’s operations. The committee’s key recommendations included:

• Redefining DRDO’s role in technology development.
• Strengthening industry-academia collaboration for innovation.
• Modernizing administrative processes to improve project execution.

By implementing these changes, DRDO is ensuring that India’s defense sector is well-equipped to meet future challenges. The focus on emerging technologies, deep research, and academic partnerships will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s defense preparedness in the coming years.

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