DRDO Marks 68th Anniversary with Focus on Defence Innovation
On January 1, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) proudly celebrated its 68th Foundation Day. In a momentous observance at the DRDO Headquarters, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth reviewed the organization’s significant accomplishments in 2025 and outlined ambitious goals for 2026. The event, which highlighted the achievements and future directions of DRDO, was streamed live to all its laboratories.
During the celebrations, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, addressed the staff and their families. He commended the dedication of DRDO personnel, stating that their hard work has propelled India toward greater self-reliance in defense, aligned with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ Dr. Kamat emphasized the need for DRDO scientists to concentrate on future defense capabilities, particularly in the realms of cyber security, space technology, and artificial intelligence.
In his address, Dr. Kamat also celebrated the noteworthy successes of DRDO in the previous year. He remarked on the delivery and induction of multiple systems to users, and he urged collaboration across the defense ecosystem to tackle upcoming challenges in alignment with the Prime Minister’s aspirations for a self-reliant India. Remarkably, in 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) provided 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals for various DRDO-developed systems, amounting to approximately ₹1.30 lakh crores, marking the highest annual figure in the organization’s history.
Among the key systems receiving AoN approval were the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), Conventional Ballistic Missile System, Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System ‘Anant Shastra’, and several others, all crucial for enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
Additionally, Dr. Kamat revealed that 11 contracts worth ₹26,000 crores have been signed with DRDO production partners for various defense systems, including the Nag Missile System and the Air Defence Fire Control Radar. In 2025, many products developed by DRDO also entered service with the Central Armed Police Forces and the National Disaster Response Force.
He noted that User Evaluation Trials for several systems are nearing completion. This includes critical technologies like the ‘Pralay’ Surface to Surface Missile and improved Electronic Warfare Systems. Dr. Kamat expressed optimism that 2026 would see most systems under trial secured for user induction.
In fostering industry partnerships, 2,201 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technologies (LAToT) have been distributed, with 245 LAToTs signed in 2025 alone. DRDO also opened its testing facilities for private industries, conducting over 4,000 tests in the past year. The establishment of 15 DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence is promoting innovative research, resulting in 66 new sanctioned projects with an aggregate budget of ₹228 crores and engaging numerous researchers across academia.
Dr. Kamat concluded his remarks by acknowledging the major reforms undertaken by DRDO in 2025, paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive organization ready to meet the challenges of the future in national defense.
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