DRDO hands over seven key indigenous defence systems to armed forces

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over seven homegrown technologies to India’s armed forces, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s self-reliant defence capabilities. Developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which supports domestic industry and startups in developing critical defence technologies in collaboration with DRDO and the armed forces, these innovations span multiple domains including air, sea, and underwater operations.

The DRDO has handed over a range of advanced indigenous defence systems to the armed forces, including long-life underwater batteries for submarines and sensors to enable extended underwater operations, antennas for secure long-distance submarine communication, and high-voltage power supplies for aircraft systems designed to jam or confuse enemy radar and missile guidance. Additional technologies include waterjet propulsion systems for small naval boats to improve speed and maneuverability, advanced electronics to enhance naval communication systems, and flexible gangways for jetties that adjust to changing water levels for safer boarding. In a push toward sustainability, the DRDO has also developed a process to recover lithium from old batteries for reuse, supporting domestic supply chains.

These technologies are expected to enhance operational effectiveness across the armed forces. The seawater battery and VLF loop aerials allow submarines and underwater sensors to operate longer while maintaining secure communication. The waterjet propulsion system gives interceptor boats superior speed and maneuverability, improving coastal security, anti-smuggling operations, and rapid-response missions. High-voltage power supplies for jammers enhance airborne electronic warfare capabilities, enabling aircraft to evade hostile radar and missile systems. Tide-efficient gangways and lithium-recycling processes improve safety, sustainability, and domestic supply chains.

While primarily hardware-focused, these systems provide foundational support for future AI- or IoT-enabled platforms, such as autonomous underwater vehicles, networked naval sensors, and smart electronic warfare systems. The current delivery does not involve embedded AI or networked data links, minimizing immediate cyber vulnerabilities, but it lays the groundwork for digital integration in future defence platforms.

Indigenous development ensures India’s strategic autonomy. While similar technologies exist globally, importing them carries risks such as supply chain delays, high costs, and dependence on foreign policy decisions. By building these systems domestically, India ensures reliable supply chains, faster deployment, and reduced reliance on foreign components, aligning with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology.

Although specific budgets, production scales, and technical specifications remain classified, these seven technologies mark a foundation-laying step for next-generation defence systems. Their full impact will emerge as they are integrated with submarines, interceptor crafts, and aircraft platforms, eventually combining with advanced sensors, autonomous operations, and networked command systems.

In essence, the DRDO handover is more than just seven devices, it represents a strategic milestone in India’s defence ecosystem, reducing foreign dependence while enabling smarter, more resilient, and future-ready military capabilities.