SOURCE: AFI
A significant overhaul of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is underway, with the government set to make final decisions on several contentious recommendations proposed by a high-powered expert committee.
The committee, led by Prof. K Vijay Raghavan, has suggested a comprehensive restructuring of DRDO, including the consolidation of its 41 labs into 10 national labs, and the establishment of five national test facilities. Additionally, the creation of a new Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation (DDSTI) to replace the existing Department of Defence R&D is being considered.
While DRDO has agreed to implement around 60% of the major reforms, certain recommendations have sparked debate. The organization has proposed alternative approaches to these contentious points, which will be evaluated by the government.
The reform process aims to enhance DRDO’s efficiency, foster collaboration, and accelerate the development of cutting-edge defence technologies. By streamlining its structure and focusing on key areas, DRDO is expected to become a more agile and responsive organization capable of meeting the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
The government’s decision on the remaining reforms will be crucial in determining the extent of DRDO’s transformation and its ability to contribute to India’s self-reliance in defence.