DRDO Transfers Key Defence Materials Tech to Industry
08 Sep 2025 CW Team
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) of DRDO in Hyderabad has transferred three advanced indigenous materials technologies to leading Indian industry partners, marking a major step towards self-reliance in strategic defence manufacturing. The Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) documents were handed over by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, at a ceremony held at DMRL on 30 August 2025.
The transferred technologies include:
- High-Strength Radomes: Transferred to BHEL, Jagdishpur, this technology enables the manufacture of high-performance radomes—protective enclosures for missile sensors. The indigenisation of this critical component is expected to boost key missile programmes and strengthen India’s defence self-reliance.
- DMR-1700 Steel Sheets and Plates: Licensed to Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL), Angul, this advanced steel offers a rare combination of ultra-high strength and superior fracture toughness at room temperature. It is tailored for demanding defence applications.
- DMR 249A HSLA Steel Plates: Developed for naval use, this technology has been transferred to Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) of SAIL. The steel meets stringent specifications in terms of physical, metallurgical, and dimensional requirements, making it ideal for naval vessel construction.
Dr Kamat lauded the R&D teams involved for their dedication to innovation and successful technology transfer. He emphasised DMRL’s continued commitment to fostering strong partnerships between research institutions and the industry, thereby accelerating the deployment of indigenous technologies.
These developments represent a significant milestone in India’s materials technology landscape, particularly in areas with strategic applications. The materials cover a wide spectrum—from missile systems to naval platforms—demonstrating DMRL’s multidisciplinary capabilities and responsiveness to national defence needs.
To further strengthen collaboration in the aerospace sector, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between DMRL and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The MoU aims to leverage DMRL’s metallurgical expertise, facilities, and analytical capabilities to support aircraft incident investigations.
The event was attended by senior DRDO leadership including Dr R V Hara Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), Dr Manu Korulla, Director General (Resource and Management), and Dr R Balamuralikrishnan, Director of DMRL.