DRDO seeks Indian private firms to co-develop and produce missile and bomb systems

The Defence Research and Development Organisation announced an expression of interest to enlist Indian private sector firms as partners for the development and production of missile and bomb systems under its missiles and strategic systems cluster. The solicitation seeks to identify development-cum-production partners that can meet DRDO's technical, manufacturing and infrastructure standards, including a minimum annual turnover of Rs 100 crore.

Companies that are shortlisted will receive project-specific requests for proposals, allowing them to engage in design, assembly, integration and qualification of DRDO-designed weapons. After successful development and user trials, partners will coordinate with DRDO-approved supply chains to fulfill production orders for the army, navy and air force, handling volumes from 50 to 100 units. The agency notes that previous collaborations have moved systems like Agni, Prithvi, Akash and the Pinaka rocket launcher into large-scale production through similar public-private models. Additionally, approved partners may offer upgrades and integrated logistics support throughout the weapons' service life, subject to lab approval.