The Indian government has sanctioned 148 new research and development projects under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance defence manufacturing capabilities, as announced by Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth. This initiative includes the establishment of the DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence network, which operates 15 Centres focused on critical defence innovation areas. Budget allocations for DRDO have shown a consistent increase, with plans for ₹26,816.82 crore in 2025-26, supporting public-private partnerships and various programs aimed at fostering collaboration and indigenous technology development. This strategic thrust underscores India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance and technological superiority in the defence sector, crucial for national security.