NPN

The Central Government has taken a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the defense sector. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the DRDO to Indian industries for domestic production. **Increased Participation of Indian Industries in the Defense Sector** This Technology Transfer (ToT) marks a major milestone in enhancing the participation of Indian industries in the defense sector. Under this initiative, Indian industries that meet the requisite qualifications, certifications, and regulatory requirements will be able to undertake the indigenous production of these missile systems. This move will facilitate a successful transition from the development of missile systems to their industrial-scale production. It reflects DRDO's ongoing efforts to maximize the utilization of Indian industrial capabilities in the development and manufacturing of advanced defense systems. **New Opportunities for Participation in the Defense Supply Chain** The objective is to strengthen the country's domestic manufacturing capacity, expand the defense industrial base, and create new opportunities for Indian MSMEs and other technical partners to participate in the defense supply chain. **Production of DRDO-Developed Missiles** Following this decision, Indian industries meeting the necessary qualifications, certifications, and regulatory requirements will be able to manufacture conventional missile systems developed by DRDO indigenously. This is viewed as a significant step towards increasing the involvement of private industries and Indian companies in the defense sector. Earlier, on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually laid the foundation stone for five expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited. He stated that India has the potential to become a global shipbuilding hub and can capitalize on the "void" emerging among traditional shipbuilding nations. Noting the rapid advancements in shipbuilding technology, Singh observed that traditional shipbuilders are gradually scaling down production, presenting an opportunity for India to step in. Earlier, while addressing the nation's soldiers via All India Radio on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, he highlighted the changes in India's defense sector over the past 12 years and the progress made towards self-reliance.