Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reiterated its commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help make India self-reliant in defence production as part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This assurance came during a Defence Technology and Test Centre (DTTC) conclave held at the Amausi Campus in Lucknow on Saturday.
The conclave, which saw the participation of over 100 representatives from various MSMEs, startups, and the Laghu Udhyog Bharti, focused on fostering collaboration between the defence R&D sector and industries to promote the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The discussions centered around crucial aspects like skill development, R&D funding, technical consultancy, and technology transfer by DRDO.
In his inaugural address, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat praised the DTTC as a significant brainchild of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which has now begun to benefit industries by facilitating their engagement in defence R&D and production. Dr. Kamat also highlighted the timely opportunity for MSMEs to contribute to the growing defence sector, encouraging them to actively engage in research and development efforts.
“The Defence Ministry, led by Rajnath Singh, has created a conducive environment for MSMEs to participate in defence R&D. This conclave is an important step in aligning the efforts of MSMEs with national security priorities,” Dr. Kamat remarked.
The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, complimented both the DRDO and the MSMEs for their collective effort to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India. He further acknowledged the growing importance of MSMEs in realizing the country’s defence goals and boosting its indigenous production capabilities.
Among the attendees at the conclave were several senior DRDO officials, including R.V. Hara Prasad, Director-General of Naval Systems & Materials; L.C. Mangal, Director-General of Technology Management; and Mayank Dwivedi, Director-General of Human Resources.
India’s Rising Defence Production and Export Capabilities
India’s defence production has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with the “Make in India” initiative playing a pivotal role. The country’s defence production touched a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, with defence exports soaring to an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25. This significant shift from dependence on foreign suppliers to indigenous manufacturing highlights India’s growing capabilities in defence production and underscores its focus on self-reliance.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Strategic Initiatives
Launched in April 2018, the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program has been instrumental in building a vibrant innovation ecosystem in defence and aerospace. Through iDEX, the government has engaged MSMEs, startups, R&D institutes, and academic institutions, providing grants of up to Rs 1.5 crore for the development of innovative technologies.
To further promote self-reliance in defence technology, the government has allocated Rs 449.62 crore to iDEX for 2025-26, including the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme. The ADITI initiative is focused on supporting critical and strategic defence technologies such as satellite communication, advanced cyber technologies, autonomous weapons, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, nuclear technologies, and underwater surveillance systems.
Under the ADITI scheme, innovators can receive grants of up to Rs 25 crore, providing a significant boost to cutting-edge technological advancements in India’s defence sector.
Procurement from iDEX Startups and MSMEs
To further encourage the participation of MSMEs and startups in defence production, the Ministry of Defence has also made significant strides in procuring defence items from iDEX entities. As of February 2025, the Ministry has approved procurement of 43 items worth over Rs 2,400 crore from startups and MSMEs participating in the iDEX program. In addition, projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore have been cleared for development.
This strategic move aims to empower India’s domestic defence industry while ensuring the Armed Forces have access to state-of-the-art technologies developed within the country.
The Road Ahead for Defence R&D Collaboration
As part of its ongoing efforts, the DRDO continues to encourage MSMEs and startups to explore defence R&D opportunities and become active participants in the nation’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. With the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor emerging as a key hub for defence production, the government is looking to accelerate collaboration between the public and private sectors to meet the challenges of modern warfare and technological advancements.
In conclusion, with government-backed initiatives like iDEX and the growing role of MSMEs, India is on track to become a global leader in self-reliant defence production, further strengthening its national security and boosting economic growth. The proactive involvement of MSMEs in this vision is expected to be a game-changer in India’s defence sector, as the country steadily marches towards becoming a formidable force in indigenous defence manufacturing.
