India approves transfer of conventional missile technology to domestic companies

A launcher of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles against the backdrop of the Parliament of India.

India has authorized the transfer of conventional missile system technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to domestic defence firms.

Announced by the Ministry of Defence, the policy enables Indian businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises, to manufacture advanced missile systems domestically. Eligible firms must meet applicable regulatory qualifications, certifications, and technical requirements, as reported by Army Technology.

The decision aims to transition missile development into large-scale industrial manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and strengthen the national defence industrial base. By leveraging private-public partnerships, the initiative seeks to improve operational readiness and accelerate the country’s self-reliance objectives.

Analysts note that the transfer could significantly impact India’s defence exports market, particularly for systems like the BrahMos cruise missile and Akash surface-to-air missile. With the missile and missile defence segment projected to capture a major share of Indian defence exports over the coming decade, unlocking these technologies is expected to boost both domestic manufacturing growth and international market expansion.