DRDO Unveils New Financial Framework to Accelerate Defence R&D and Indigenous Technology Development
BangaloreThe Ministry of Defence has introduced the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), a major reform aimed at improving the speed, efficiency, and accountability of strategic defence research and development projects.
The revised framework empowers DRDO with greater financial autonomy, enabling faster approval and execution of R&D programmes, streamlined trial and testing activities, and quicker transition of indigenous technologies from development to induction into the Armed Forces.
DFP-2026 also introduces dedicated financial provisions for pre-project research, trial campaigns, and technology evaluation, while establishing clearer funding mechanisms for collaborative initiatives, including Extra-Mural Research Projects, Technology Development Fund (TDF) projects, and Defence Innovation Accelerator – Centres of Excellence.
The reform is expected to strengthen collaboration between DRDO, industry, start-ups, MSMEs, and academia, accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation defence technologies. By reducing administrative bottlenecks and enabling faster decision-making, the new framework supports India's broader objective of achieving greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and innovation while enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.On Date: