DRDO

DRDO, or Defence Research and Development Organisation, is India's premier defense research and development agency. It operates under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence and coordinates the development of technologies and systems for the Indian Armed Forces. Established in 1958, DRDO is headquartered in New Delhi and oversees a network of laboratories and research establishments across the country.

The organisation conducts research across domains including aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, missiles, naval systems, electronics and communication, sensors, and information technology. It collaborates with the armed services, Indian public sector units, the private sector, and international partners to translate science into indigenous defence capabilities and to promote self-reliance.

Notable programmes and systems include the Agni and Prithvi families of missiles, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (developed with Russia), the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Akash surface-to-air missile, and the Astra air-to-air missile. DRDO has also contributed to aeronautics, naval systems, and defence electronics, and supports development of advanced materials and other next-generation technologies.

As a government agency, DRDO develops prototypes, technology demonstrators, and transfers technology for production by Indian industry and public sector units. Its overarching aim is to strengthen India's defence posture by creating domestically developed technologies and reducing dependence on imports.