DRDO, over years, has substantially enhanced the technological capabilities of Indian industry through various policy initiatives, sustained engagements and intense technology transfers. DRDO is taking these efforts to next level to transform India into a hub of advanced defence technologies developing state-of-the-art defence equipment and systems. Government policies, especially with respect to ‘Make in India,’ ‘Start-up India,’ ‘Stand up India,’ ‘Skill India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ have provided new opportunities. These are being leveraged to develop defence R&D and manufacturing eco-system in the country.

This document brings out various policy initiatives taken by DRDO.

DRDO Policies in Support of Industries. The existing Policies/SOPs/Guidelines of DRDO to support industries are listed below:
1. Transfer of Technology. DRDO provides the relevant ‘know-how’ in the form of Technology Transfer Documents (TTD) and handholding support to Indian industry. Technology is transferred to Development cum Production Partner (DcPP)/Development Partner (DP)/Production Agency (PA) without any ToT Fee and to other industries with a one-time ToT Fee @5% of total project sanction cost. Royalty is not charged on net sales to Indian Armed Forces and other government departments. Only 2% royalty is applicable for sales in Indian commercial market and exports. Details are available at website https://drdo.gov.in/transfer-technologies

2. Technology Development Fund (TDF). In TDF, a corpus fund of a billion rupees has been created to enable Indian industries, specially MSMEs, for indigenisation of the defence products, sub systems and components. The fund may also be utilised for developing new technologies as required by DRDO, Services and DPSUs. The cost of each project under TDF can be up to one hundred million rupees. The industry can get funding up to 90% of the project cost. Details are available at website https://tdf.drdo.gov.in

3. DRDO Patents for Indian Industry. All patents and relevant intellectual publications are available on DRDO website. These can be used by Indian industry free of cost. For any further support, DRDO may be approached for working out the modalities. Details are available at website https://drdo.gov.in/ipr

4. Development and Production Partner. DRDO engages industry as Development Cum Production Partner (DcPP)/Development Partners (DP)/Production Agency (PA) during the execution of its projects and programmes. The selection of industries is carried out based on procurement rules and procedures. Industry may approach through website https://drdo.gov.in/headquarter-directorates/finance-and-materials-management

5. Testing Support. DRDO supports Indian industry during their technology and products development by extending Test Facilities (https://www.drdo.gov.in/test-facilities) and Proof & Field Firing Ranges (http://www.makeinindiadefence.gov.in). This assures development of high-quality defence products.

6. Evaluation and Certification Support. The following certification services are provided by DRDO to industry:
(i) CEMILAC provides the certification support to industry for military airworthiness. CEMILAC may be contacted at https://drdo.gov.in/labs-and-establishments/centre-military-airworthiness-certification-cemilac
(ii) SAG, Delhi provides testing and certification support for IT and crypto products developed by industries on request of Services. SAG may be contacted at https://drdo.gov.in/labs-and-establishments/scientific-analysis-group-sag

7. Export Support. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is promulgated to assist Indian Industry to export products developed with DRDO support. An export compendium, comprising DRDO products having potential of export, has also been prepared along with details of manufacturing industries. Industry may approach through website https://drdo.gov.in/transfer-technologies

8. Technological and Scientific Support. Technological and scientific support will be provided to industry by DRDO on need basis. The interested industry may contact DRDO at https://drdo.gov.in/headquarter-directorates/contact-us/industry-interface-technology-management