DRDO Transfers Key Defence Materials Tech to Industry

In a boost to India’s self-reliance in defence production, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully transferred three advanced materials technologies to industry partners. These materials, developed by DRDO’s Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) in Hyderabad, are crucial for missile systems, defence-grade steel production, and naval shipbuilding.

The Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) were officially handed over on August 30, 2025, in a ceremony led by DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat. The transfer marks a significant step in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector.

Technologies Transferred: Strategic Details

1. High-Strength Radome Manufacturing – To BHEL, Jagdishpur

Radomes are protective covers that shield the sensitive sensors and antennas of missiles and radars. The transferred technology enables,

• High strength and thermal resistance for missile applications
• Enhanced aerodynamic performance and stealth
• Indigenous production, reducing dependence on foreign tech
• This innovation will directly support critical missile programmes, boosting India’s missile defence capabilities.

2. DMR-1700 Steel Sheets and Plates – To JSPL, Angul

DMR-1700 is a specialised steel variant with,

• Ultra-high strength
• High fracture toughness at room temperature
• Applications in armour plating and defence hardware
• JSPL’s role will be to manufacture and scale the material for strategic use in combat and support systems.

3. DMR 249A HSLA Steel Plates – To BSP (SAIL), Bhilai

Designed for naval construction, this high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel offers,

• Superior durability and toughness
• Resistance to marine corrosion and structural stress
• Compliance with stringent dimensional and metallurgical standards

This technology will power the construction of next-generation naval vessels, supporting both the Indian Navy and defence exports.

Strengthening Industry-Research Collaboration

The technology transfers reinforce DRDO’s industry-inclusive model of R&D, encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. These partnerships ensure that cutting-edge military-grade materials are produced and scaled efficiently by capable private and public sector firms.

Additionally, an MoU was signed between DMRL and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This will leverage DMRL’s expertise in metallurgical analysis for aviation safety investigations.

Significance for Defence & Strategic Sectors

This technology transfer is significant for several reasons,

• Promotes indigenous defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative
• Reduces import dependency for strategic materials
• Empowers Indian industries with state-of-the-art defence materials technology
• Enhances India’s readiness for future defence and naval projects

By placing India’s top research innovations into the hands of capable industries, the DRDO sets a precedent for dual-use innovation, serving both commercial and strategic goals.

Quick facts for exam

• Developing Lab: DRDO’s Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad
• Technologies Transferred
• Radomes to BHEL, Jagdishpur
• DMR-1700 steel to JSPL, Angul
• DMR 249A HSLA steel to BSP, Bhilai (SAIL)
• Application Areas: Missiles, defence systems, naval shipbuilding