India Opens Conventional Missile Tech To Private Makers

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to domestic companies for production within the country. The decision, announced on August 25, 2026, is a significant step in the government's push to bolster indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

The move opens a wide portfolio of India's guided weapons to private manufacturers, marking a shift from the traditional model where DRDO-developed missiles were assigned to state-run agencies like Bharat Dynamics Ltd for series production. According to the Defence Ministry, eligible Indian industries will now be able to manufacture these systems, provided they meet applicable qualifications, certifications, and regulatory requirements. The DRDO will retain responsibility for design certification and quality assurance.

Officials clarified that the conventional portfolio includes systems such as the Akash and Akash-NG surface-to-air missiles, the Astra air-to-air missile family, the Rudram anti-radiation missiles, anti-tank guided missiles like Nag and SANT, the NASM-SR...