Rajnath Singh clears transfer of DRDO missile tech to Indian defence firms amid regional security concerns | India News - Hindustan Times

**Rajnath Singh Clears Transfer of DRDO Missile Technology to Indian Defence Firms Amid Regional Security Concerns**

New Delhi – Defence Minister Rajnathan Singh gave the green light on Monday for the transfer of missile technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to a select group of Indian private‑sector defence firms. The decision, reported by *Hindustan Times* and corroborated by *The Hindu* and *NDTV*, is part of a broader policy push to open conventional missile production to the Indian industry and reduce reliance on state‑run production lines. The move follows a series of cabinet approvals that aim to fast‑track indigenous capabilities in response to heightened security dynamics along India’s western and northern borders, especially the perceived missile build‑up by China and Pakistan.

Under the new framework, DRDO will share design data, testing protocols and limited production know‑how with companies that meet stringent security clearances and have demonstrated manufacturing capacity. The Ministry of Defence has set up a “Technology Transfer Cell” to vet applicants, ensure compliance with the Export Control Act, and safeguard critical intellectual property. Industry sources say that firms such as Bharat Dynamics, Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro are among the early candidates, with pilot projects expected to begin by the end of the fiscal year. The government anticipates that private‑sector participation will cut lead times for missile development, lower procurement costs, and create a competitive ecosystem that can meet the armed forces’ expanding operational requirements.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents, including senior military officials, argue that expanding the industrial base is essential for maintaining strategic deterrence and meeting the “Make in India” defence objectives. Critics caution that rapid technology transfer could increase the risk of leakage or compromise the confidentiality of sensitive systems, urging robust oversight mechanisms. Nonetheless, the Defence Ministry has pledged periodic audits and a strict compliance regime to balance commercial participation with national security imperatives.