#DRDO #DefenceInnovation #AtmanirbharBharat #DMRL #MakeInIndia #IndigenousDefence #StrategicTechnologies #SteelForDefence #RadomeTechnology #NavalApplications
Hyderabad / New Delhi: In a major push towards self-reliance in strategic materials and defence manufacturing, the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully transferred three advanced materials technologies to leading Indian industry partners. The formal handover of Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) took place at DMRL, Hyderabad, on August 30, 2025, in the presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO.
The transfer of these technologies is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting indigenous defence production, enhancing the durability and performance of critical military platforms, and supporting India’s journey towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
Technologies Transferred to Industry Partners
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High-Strength Radomes
The technology for manufacturing high-strength Radomes has been transferred to BHEL, Jagdishpur. Radomes are protective covers for sensitive missile sensors, ensuring accuracy and survivability in challenging environments. The indigenous production of these advanced Radomes will strengthen India’s missile programs and reduce dependence on imports, a critical step in bolstering strategic defence capabilities. -
DMR-1700 Steel Sheets and Plates
The production technology for DMR-1700 Steel, known for its ultra-high strength and exceptional fracture toughness at room temperature, has been transferred to JSPL, Angul. This specialised steel is crucial for a variety of defence applications, particularly where structural integrity under stress is critical. The development and industrial scaling of this material are expected to support the manufacturing of advanced weapon systems and armoured applications. -
DMR 249A HSLA Steel Plates
The third transfer involves DMR 249A High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Steel Plates for naval applications, licensed to BSP, Bhilai (SAIL). This material has been designed to meet stringent dimensional, physical, and metallurgical requirements necessary for the construction of naval vessels. With enhanced durability and reliability, it will contribute significantly to the indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem.
Strategic Impact
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Samir V. Kamat lauded DMRL’s contribution to pushing the boundaries of defence metallurgy. He highlighted that such transfers underline the growing synergy between R&D institutions and Indian industry, enabling the rapid translation of laboratory innovations into real-world applications.
“These technology transfers not only strengthen our defence capabilities but also create a robust ecosystem where Indian industry becomes an equal partner in our pursuit of technological superiority,” Dr. Kamat said.
The collaboration is expected to accelerate the deployment of these innovations across India’s strategic programmes, reduce foreign dependence, and open avenues for global competitiveness in specialised defence-grade materials.
Collaboration Beyond Defence
Further expanding its collaborative framework, DRDO’s DMRL also signed an MoU with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Ministry of Civil Aviation. Under this agreement, DMRL will extend its expertise, facilities, and capabilities to support AAIB’s investigative and technical activities. This marks an important step in leveraging defence research expertise for civil aviation safety and accident investigation.
Driving Indigenous Capability in Materials Science
DMRL has consistently played a central role in developing indigenous metallurgical technologies for defence and strategic sectors. The lab’s expertise spans the design and production of steels, alloys, ceramics, composites, and special materials for use in extreme conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive marine environments.
By partnering with established industrial players such as BHEL, JSPL, and SAIL, DRDO ensures that these technologies can be scaled efficiently for mass production, meeting the requirements of both defence and potential civilian sectors.
Strengthening the Self-Reliance Vision
The transfer of these materials technologies aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, where indigenous R&D and domestic industry partnerships form the backbone of national security and technological independence.
Experts point out that these materials are not only critical for defence applications but could also catalyse innovations in aerospace, marine, and heavy engineering sectors. For instance, high-strength steels developed by DMRL could find applications in commercial shipbuilding, infrastructure, and advanced engineering projects, while radome technologies could have dual-use applications in space and satellite communications.
The Road Ahead
The event was attended by senior DRDO officials, including Dr. R.V. Hara Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), Dr. Manu Korulla, Director General (Resource and Management), and Dr. R. Balamuralikrishnan, Director, DMRL.
With the successful handover of these technologies, DRDO is expected to pursue similar collaborations in the near future, further expanding the scope of technology transfers to industry. Such efforts will be instrumental in building a sustainable and globally competitive Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Conclusion
The transfer of high-strength Radome manufacturing and advanced defence-grade steels represents more than just a technological achievement; it is a strategic milestone that strengthens India’s ability to design, produce, and sustain critical defence infrastructure independently.
By combining cutting-edge R&D with industrial capabilities, DRDO and its industry partners are paving the way for a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally respected defence sector.
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#DRDO #DefenceInnovation #AtmanirbharBharat #DMRL #MakeInIndia #IndigenousDefence #StrategicTechnologies #SteelForDefence #RadomeTechnology #NavalApplications
