Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) : News and Updates
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DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION
Some of the major achievements of DRDO in 2025 are as follows:
Some of the major achievements of DRDO in 2025 are as follows:
- The maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) was successfully conducted at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on December 29, 2025. The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 kms demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as planned. The LRGR impacted on the target with textbook precision. It was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher demonstrating its versatility and providing launch capability of Pinaka variants of different range from the same launcher.
- DRDO successfully conducted salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha at about 1030 hrs on December 31, 2025. The flight-test was conducted as part of user evaluation trials. Both the missiles followed the intended trajectory meeting all flight objectives as confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The terminal events were confirmed by Telemetry systems installed onboard ship, deployed near the impact points.
- Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully conducted test-launch of ASTRA, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from LCA AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft on March 12, 2025. The test-firing demonstrated the direct hit of the missile on flying target.
- DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted successful flight-test of indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on March 26, 2025. The flight-test was carried out from a land-based vertical launcher against a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude. It has established the Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability of the missile system.
- DRDO and the Indian Army conducted four successful flight-tests of the Army version of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile on April 03 and 04, 2025 against high-speed aerial targets. The missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them, registering direct hits. The flight-tests were carried out with the weapon system in operational condition.
- Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ between April 08-10, 2025 from the Su-30 MKI aircraft. The trials successfully demonstrated range close to 100 kms with pin-point accuracy. LRGB ‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000 kg class glide bomb indigenously designed and developed by DRDO.
- DRDO’s Hyderabad-based laboratory DRDL achieved a significant milestone in field of Hypersonic Weapon Technology by conducting long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for more than 1,000 seconds at the newly built state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Test Facility. Hypersonic Cruise Missile is a class of weapons that can travel more than five times the speed of sound (> 6100 Kmph) for long duration and is powered by Air breathing engine.
- DRDO successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh on May 03, 2025. Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kms.
- DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully undertook combat firing (with reduced explosive) of indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM). MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines.
- User trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) were successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti. ERASR is a totally indigenous anti-submarine rocket used to combat submarine and fired from onboard IRL of Indian Naval Ships. It has twin-rocket motor configuration to meet a wide spectrum of range requirements with high accuracy and consistency.
- A significant milestone was achieved by successfully destroying two Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high-altitude in Ladakh by Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army.
- DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), a multi-layered air defence system comprising all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
- Successful launch of Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a Rail based Mobile launcher system, under a full operational scenario on 24th Sep 2025. The first-of-its-kind launch was carried out from a specially designed Rail based Mobile Launcher having the capability to move on Rail network without any pre-conditions. It provides for cross country mobility and has the capability to launch within a short reaction time with reduced visibility.
- DRDO conducted a successful flight-trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile on November 16, 2024. This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 kms for the Armed Forces.
- DRDO has conducted a successful high-speed rocket-sled test of fighter aircraft escape system at controlled velocity on 02 Dec 2025. The test validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing and complete aircrew-recovery. This complex dynamic test places India in an elite club of nations with advanced in-house escape system testing capability.
- For achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, A new version of simplified and industry friendly DRDO Procurement Manual 2025 (PM-2025) was released to encourage more participation of Indian industry, including start-ups and MSMEs in Defence R&D.
- DRDO has also undertaken a comprehensive review of its project management “Directives for Project Formulation & Management (DPFM)” based on external and internal committee recommendations. DPFM-2025 guidelines has been finalized and promulgated for use by Labs/Estt. in DRDO.
- DRDO Roadmap is a 10-year plan for Defence R&D focused on indigenous development of advanced technologies as well as strengthening Defence R&D capabilities. The roadmap encourages significant involvement of the private sector, with initiatives to fund private entities to develop specific technologies and integrate them into defence products. Also, DRDO has aligned its projects, technologies and capabilities with national goals for 2047, including Aatmanirbharta, Defence modernization and technological self-reliance.
- Revised DRDO Procedures for ToT 2025 have been formulated incorporating various forms, templates and step by step guide for transferring DRDO Developed Technology to industry for production promoting ease of doing business.
- SAMAR is a certification developed by the DRDO in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI). It serves as a benchmark to evaluate and enhance the capabilities of Defence manufacturing enterprises. The SAMAR initiative aims to strengthen the Defence manufacturing ecosystem by encouraging innovation and ensuring adherence to high-quality standards for DRDO-developed systems.
- DRDO is coming up with a new policy to facilitate easier interaction with these emerging Start-ups. This policy aims to streamline the process of engaging with start-ups and leveraging their innovative ideas for defence applications.
- IT infrastructure and networks exists in DRDO viz. DRDO Rapid Online Network Access (DRONA) for secure Intranet across organisation and Central Internet Access Gateway (CIAG) for secure internet across organisation. To enhance operational efficiency and transparency, DRDO is implementing an ERP system across the organisation. This will enable digitalization of various processes, improve data management, and facilitate decision-making. The process has been initiated and contract has already been placed.
NPOL to make this years drdo tableau in the Republic Day parade, will show submarine hwt etc.
He mentioned a new 300km missile development. is that what i think it is?
~600mm, <2 ton Indian LORA/ATACMS.Probably the 300km pinaka version yeah, I have to watch it btw. It is likely the longer range version would have higher dia anyway. Neither the 300mm dia nor the non-uniform config is ideal for this. A 600mm dia version would be ideal to fit 1 in each pod, 2 per MLS.He mentioned a new 300km missile development. is that what i think it is?
Sabotaging Self–Sufficiency in Defence
Systemic delays, bureaucratic inertia, and vested interests have undermined indigenous innovation, forced imports despite capable domestic technologies, and weakened accountability in defence procurement and induction processes
www.spsmai.com
Sabotaging Self–Sufficiency in Defence
Systemic delays, bureaucratic inertia, and vested interests have undermined indigenous innovation, forced imports despite capable domestic technologies, and weakened accountability in defence procurement and induction processes
This ladies and gentlemen is what is called a pre-emptive strike.
Only DRDO incompetency is to blame for INSAS. It's got nothing to do with the nonsensical Indian Army GSQR for a multi-caliber rifle that can shoot both 5.56 and 7.62 rounds. Nothing to do with wanting full modularity, multi-role capability, high ruggedness while still wanting an unrealistic weight of 3.6kg.
Again DRDO incompetency is to blame for pushing DRDO-designed Zorawar instead of DRDO-designed WhAP. Nothing to do with IA having a hard on for Stryker.
Blame DRDO, babus, everyone else but the Indian Army. The Indian Army has no institutional problems. None what so ever.
.Sabotaging Self–Sufficiency in Defence
Systemic delays, bureaucratic inertia, and vested interests have undermined indigenous innovation, forced imports despite capable domestic technologies, and weakened accountability in defence procurement and induction processes
Until an unless we eliminate Israeli & American lobby sitting inside MOD & drdo nothing will happen.
Israeli lobby has completely sabotaged our indigenous airborne & naval radar programs.
It's surprising that retired officer is raising this issue ,when most of the officers are in hand in glove with dalals
This ladies and gentlemen is what is called a pre-emptive strike.
Only DRDO incompetency is to blame for INSAS. It's got nothing to do with the nonsensical Indian Army GSQR for a multi-caliber rifle that can shoot both 5.56 and 7.62 rounds. Nothing to do with wanting full modularity, multi-role capability, high ruggedness while still wanting an unrealistic weight of 3.6kg.
Again DRDO incompetency is to blame for pushing DRDO-designed Zorawar instead of DRDO-designed WhAP. Nothing to do with IA having a hard on for Stryker.
Blame DRDO, babus, everyone else but the Indian Army. The Indian Army has no institutional problems. None what so ever.
And we are to believe it was DRDO/babus that killed the Kalyani gun. The audacity of saying such a thing when it was Baba Kalyani who in an open interview said that the Indian Army would laugh at his guns during expos.
@24:26
Is a single thing this guy said true?
DRDO CQB Carbine
Other ARDE guns (JVPC, Machine Pistol, etc.)
Ugram Rifle
Corner Shot Weapon System
Special Anti-Drone Bullet
Future Rail Gun specs
Looks like BM-05 & Brahmos-NG got AoN
Some of the notable systems for which AoN has been accorded include Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), Conventional Ballistic Missile System, Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System ‘Anant Shastra’, Long Range Air to Surface Supersonic Cruise Missile (LRASSCM), Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) MK II, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra Mk-II, Anti-Tank NAG Missile System (Tracked) Mk-2, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo, Processor-based Moored Mine – Next Generation (PBMM NG), Air-borne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-1A, Mountain Radars, Full Mission Simulator for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A.
Some of the notable systems for which AoN has been accorded include Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), Conventional Ballistic Missile System, Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System ‘Anant Shastra’, Long Range Air to Surface Supersonic Cruise Missile (LRASSCM), Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) MK II, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra Mk-II, Anti-Tank NAG Missile System (Tracked) Mk-2, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo, Processor-based Moored Mine – Next Generation (PBMM NG), Air-borne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-1A, Mountain Radars, Full Mission Simulator for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A.
Taking it on face value, impressive:
TOT Policy:
Some reforms:
Some DRDO exports:
Interesting info on the state of electronics:
Attachments
On Arjun:
The most important slide of the presentation - DRDO got the message!!
The most important slide of the presentation - DRDO got the message!!