DRDO Transfers Tech For 8 Defence Products To BEL, Bharat Dynamics, Industry Partners At Samanvay 2025
DRDO handed over the licensing agreements for eight products during SAMANVAY 2025. Image courtesy: RNA
In a major step toward strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) covering eight cutting-edge defence products to industry partners on Wednesday (October 29, 2025).
The transfer took place during the inaugural session of Samanvay 2025, a two-day industry synergy meet organised by DRDO’s Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster in Bengaluru. The initiative marks another milestone in the journey toward self-reliance under the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ missions.
Virtually inaugurating the event, DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V Kamat, emphasised the organisation’s growing role in empowering domestic defence manufacturers. “By uniting innovation and industry, DRDO is building a self-reliant tomorrow,” he said.
Dr. Kamat added that the organisation is working to bridge the gap between research laboratories and real-world deployment through strategic industry partnerships.
A step forward in ‘Make for the World’ vision
The latest LATOTs cover advanced domains including electronic warfare suites and laser photoacoustic spectroscopy systems, underscoring DRDO’s commitment to equipping the Indian Armed Forces with indigenously developed, export-ready technologies.
As per the defence ministry’s statement, the technologies transferred include advanced systems like the D-29 Electronic Warfare Suite developed by the Combat Aircraft System Development and Integration Centre, handed over to BEL Bengaluru, and NATSAT Handheld and Mini Terminals from the Defence Electronics Application Laboratory, transferred to BEL Panchkula.
Additionally, the Sarang Electronic Support Measure System of Programme SAMUDRIKA and DOLPHIN-II, both from the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory, were transferred to BEL Bengaluru.
By fostering strong industry collaboration, DRDO continues to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s defence sector into a global hub for innovation, manufacturing, and strategic self-reliance.
What are new industry outreach initiatives?
To deepen industry engagement, Dr. Kamat announced that DRDO has established an ‘Industry Interaction Group’ across all its laboratories, centres, establishments, and headquarters. This initiative aims to simplify the understanding of DRDO’s policies, promote transparency, and help industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups.
What is the focus of Samanvay 2025?
With over 150 industry representatives in attendance, Samanvay 2025 serves as a vital platform for aligning DRDO’s R&D capabilities with the needs of India’s private sector. The two-day event featured 10 thematic sessions, focusing on industry and MSME partnerships, start-up collaborations, development-cum-production engagements, policy reforms and ecosystem strengthening.
Participants deliberated on challenges and opportunities for enhancing defence R&D synergy and advancing India’s indigenous defence production capabilities.
