The long-awaited restructuring of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has returned to the forefront of national security discussions, backed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and steered by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This overhaul aims to transform DRDO into a more agile, innovation-driven institution capable of meeting the demands of 21st-century warfare. The reforms, if successfully implemented, could redefine India’s scientific and technological institutional will, fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
### A Legacy in Transition
Since its establishment in 1958, DRDO has been instrumental in India’s quest for technological self-reliance, contributing to landmark projects such as the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), the Agni and Akash missile systems, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, and advanced radar and sonar technologies. However, the organisation has also faced criticism for its bureaucratic inefficiencies, with over 50 laboratories often operating in silos, leading to redundant efforts and slow innovation cycles. The transition of technologies from the laboratory to production has remained a persistent bottleneck, hindering India’s defence capabilities.
### The Reform Blueprint
The MoD-appointed committee, led by Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, has outlined a comprehensive reform agenda focused on agility, collaboration, and strategic focus. The key structural changes include:
**Consolidation of Laboratories:**
The committee recommends merging DRDO’s 41 major labs into about 10 national laboratories, each focused on critical domains such as propulsion, space and strategic systems, AI and autonomy, quantum and cyber technologies, and advanced materials. This thematic clustering aims to eliminate redundancy, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and optimise resources.
**Creation of the Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation (DDSTI):**
A new institutional arm is proposed to act as the interface between DRDO, academia, and industry. The DDSTI will fund university-based research, promote technology transfer to industry, and coordinate with startups through initiatives like the iDEX and Technology Development Fund (TDF) programme. This arm will also oversee autonomous agencies such as the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), and Systems and Integrated Test Range (SITAR).
**Core vs. Applied Research:**
DRDO is urged to refocus on high-risk, long-term research in frontier sciences such as materials, new systems, AI, quantum, and directed-energy systems. Applied engineering and system integration will be outsourced to industry partners, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and private manufacturers. However, the challenge remains whether Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) can break their own barriers to adopt cutting-edge technologies.
**Human Capital and Accountability:**
Reforms will introduce performance-linked metrics, lateral recruitment of scientists, and greater autonomy for laboratory directors to foster innovation. The aim is to attract global-standard talent in fields like robotics, materials science, and AI, while fostering a younger, innovation-driven culture. The government envisions sharper performance evaluation mechanisms, time-bound project management frameworks, and greater financial and operational autonomy for laboratory directors.
**Industry and Startup Integration:**
One of the most promising pillars of this reform is the greater collaboration between DRDO and private innovators. The restructured DRDO will serve as the technical nucleus of this ecosystem, providing test facilities, validation, and technical expertise to startups, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and academia. This “open innovation” model mirrors successful global frameworks, such as the U.S. Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Israel’s Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D). By deepening these linkages, India can move from a closed, state-centric R&D model to a networked innovation ecosystem, leveraging the agility of startups, the scale of industry, and the scientific depth of DRDO.
### Challenges and Opportunities
While the structural reforms are promising, their success will hinge on addressing procedural rigidity and fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking. DRDO must evolve into a global collaborator, engaging with international research networks, diaspora scientists, and strategic partners through joint technology programmes. Defence innovation today is as much about networks as it is about laboratories.
With the PMO’s direct oversight and a clear 2026 deadline, the opportunity is historic. For a nation aspiring to technological sovereignty, the DRDO’s renewal is mission-critical. The time for incrementalism is over; what India needs is a bold, decisive leap toward an innovation-tech-driven defence future. Failure, however, would risk perpetuating the inefficiencies that have