The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step toward bolstering India’s defence manufacturing capabilities by transferring advanced technologies to industry partners. During the inaugural session of SAMANVAY 2025, a two-day industry synergy meet organised by the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) Cluster of DRDO in Bengaluru, 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) were handed over to industry partners. These agreements cover eight cutting-edge defence products, marking a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The technologies transferred include the D-29 Electronic Warfare Suite, NATSAT-Handheld and NATSAT-Mini Terminals, Sarang Electronic Support Measure System under Programme SAMUDRIKA, DOLPHIN-II, Laser Beam Rider Guidance System with Eye-safe Laser Range Finder, Athermal Laser Target Designator, Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy, and M-Type Dispenser Cathode. The recipients of these technologies span both public and private sectors, including Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and private firms such as DH Limited, Enertech Engineering Pvt Ltd, Beam Infotech Pvt Ltd, Nibe Ltd, and Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd.
In his virtual address, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, underscored the importance of collaboration between innovation and industry. “By bringing together innovation and industry, DRDO is empowering Indian defence manufacturing for a self-reliant future,” he said. He emphasised that DRDO is working closely with industry partners to translate research into deployable capabilities, aligning with the Government’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. Dr Kamat also highlighted the establishment of Industry Interaction Groups at all DRDO laboratories and headquarters to enhance industry awareness of DRDO’s policies and collaboration opportunities.
Padma Vibhushan Dr R.A. Mashelkar, former Director General of CSIR, delivered a keynote address on “Resurgence of Innovative India: The Challenge and the Strategy.” He outlined how innovation, research institutions, and industry can collaborate to achieve transformational growth, stressing the need for a cohesive approach to drive India’s defence sector forward.
Director General of the ECS Cluster, Dr B.K. Das, congratulated the participating industries and urged start-ups to develop innovative solutions for large-scale systems. He assured government support and encouraged major industries to mentor MSMEs and start-ups in transforming ideas into market-ready products.
With over 150 industry representatives in attendance, SAMANVAY 2025 features ten sessions focusing on industry engagement, MSME and start-up collaborations, and development-cum-production partnerships. The discussions aim to strengthen the defence R&D ecosystem and explore opportunities for enhancing indigenous production capabilities in line with the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
This initiative not only accelerates the development of advanced defence technologies but also fosters a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. As India continues to prioritise self-reliance in defence manufacturing, such partnerships will be crucial in shaping the future of the sector.