DRDO Hands Over Seven TDF Technologies to Armed Forces, Clears 12 New Projects

The event marks another step forward in strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem through industry-driven innovation, supported by DRDO’s scientific expertise.

In a significant boost to India’s defence indigenisation drive, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has formally handed over seven advanced technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The handover took place during the Empowered Committee meeting at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, on December 2, 2025, chaired by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO.

The event marks another step forward in strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem through industry-driven innovation, supported by DRDO’s scientific expertise.

Seven New Technologies Transferred to the Services

The technologies handed over cover a wide spectrum of critical operational requirements:

• Indigenous High-Voltage Power Supply for Airborne Self-Protection Jammers Enhances survivability of combat aircraft by powering next-generation jamming systems.

• Tide-Efficient Gangway for Naval Jetties A safe, adaptable access system for naval platforms operating in varying tidal conditions.

• Advanced VLF–HF Switching Matrix Systems Enables secure, seamless communication transitions across multiple frequency bands.

• VLF Loop Aerials for Underwater Platforms Critical for reliable submarine communication and deep-sea signalling.

• Indigenous Waterjet Propulsion System for Fast Interceptor Craft Boosts naval patrol craft performance, manoeuvrability and operational readiness.

• Novel Process for Recovery of Lithium Precursors from Used Lithium-Ion Batteries A sustainable breakthrough supporting India’s battery recycling and strategic material security goals.

• Long-Life Seawater Battery System for Sustained Underwater Sensing & Surveillance Enables long-endurance autonomous underwater systems, boosting maritime domain awareness.

All solutions were designed, engineered and tested by Indian industry, with active technical guidance from DRDO and user agencies. The achievements reinforce the TDF scheme’s objectives of import substitution, developing critical technologies, and empowering MSMEs and start-ups.

Empowered Committee Approves 12 New Strategic Projects

During the meeting, the Empowered Committee conducted detailed evaluations of new proposals and granted approval for 12 new TDF projects. These initiatives span:

• strategic technologies

• aerospace innovation

• naval systems

• electronic warfare solutions

The decisions demonstrate sustained momentum toward building a robust indigenous defence industrial base and reducing reliance on foreign technology in sensitive domains.

Focus on Faster Execution and Streamlined Acquisition

The Committee also discussed improvements to the TDF project lifecycle, emphasising:

• Faster end-to-end project processing

• Stronger coordination between Services, DRDO and industry

• Alignment with evolving operational requirements

• Efficient transition from prototype to acquisition

A key recommendation included establishing policy mechanisms to accelerate the induction of newly developed technologies into the Services, ensuring that innovation quickly translates into field capability.

Commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

Addressing participants, Dr. Samir V. Kamat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing defence innovation under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted that the TDF scheme has emerged as a vital enabler for empowering Indian industry, especially start-ups, to deliver high-value technologies for national security.

The handover of these seven technologies and the approval of new projects underscore DRDO’s continued focus on fostering a self-reliant, technologically sophisticated defence ecosystem.