The government is about to take a final decision on the 'controversial' reforms in the defense sector, DRDO's structure will change! Know the details

DRDO suggested the way

Government sources told the Times of India that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has agreed to “about 60% of the major reforms” suggested by the expert committee headed by Professor K Vijay Raghavan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Office. These are now being implemented in a phased manner and timelines have been set for them. The government will also take a final decision on the remaining reforms, which became controversial after the DRDO strongly opposed the “path” suggested by the committee to achieve them. The DRDO has suggested an alternative route or mechanism for these reforms, a source said.

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Working Committee consisting of Chief of Defence Staff

The committee's report titled 'Redefining Defence Research and Development' calls for a radical change in DRDO. Along with removing the shortcomings of the organization, it has been emphasized that it should focus mainly on fundamental and applied research and development. System integration and product management should be left to other agencies and the private sector. The Defense Technology Council (DTC) headed by the Prime Minister should decide on the country's defense research and development and technology roadmap as well as the major projects to be taken forward. The committee said that the DTC should have a strong executive committee headed by the Chief of Defense Staff, whose vice-chairman is the Defense Minister and National Security Advisor.

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Big changes in DRDO

The DRDO should reorganise its 41 laboratories into 10 national laboratories to “improve work synergy and efficiency”, and also have five national testing facilities. The current system of seven technology groups, each headed by a director general, is not working properly, an official said. There is also a proposal to set up a new Department of Defence Science, Technology and Innovation (DDSTI) to replace the existing Department of Defence Research and Development. The post of secretary DDR&D-cum-DRDO chairman will be split.

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Delay in DRDO project

The DRDO, which has a provision of Rs 23,855 crore in the Union Budget 2024-25, has faced severe criticism in the last few years for its high expenditure and time overruns in the development of advanced weapon systems. It has been repeatedly seeking extensions for “Mission Mode Projects (MMPs)”. These are high-priority programmes based on special operations military requirements. These must be completed within a specific time frame. The Defence Ministry had told Parliament last year that 23 of DRDO's 55 MMPs have been delayed. These involve technologies that are already available and readily available in India or abroad.

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Advanced weapon systems will have to be developed

In this age of advanced unmanned warfare, AI, hypersonic weapons, cyber and space warfare, India needs a “whole of nation” approach involving DRDO, academia, private sector and the armed forces, a top official said. India needs to build a strong national ecosystem with the capability to design, develop and manufacture advanced weapon systems, he said. No country will give you cutting-edge technology.