Restructuring is planned for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is responsible for developing the Arjun tank, Light Combat Aircraft, and Agni ballistic missiles, among other things. Just what it will look like in the future and what it will do will depend on the government, on the basis of many assessments.

Of course, the first step in making India a tech leader by 2047 is to expand the R&D ecosystem. And the DRDO cannot complete the task by itself. It will entail collaboration between DRDO, major industry, startups, MSMEs, and academia. A five percent expenditure on research and development would be necessary, resulting in a one percent increase over the next few years. It will also be necessary for the business sector to step up. The government currently funds R&D to the tune of 90%, but in the ideal world, the private sector would be able to contribute between 30% and 40% of all R&D spending.

Arjun tank
Image Source: Defence News

However, it's expected that the private sector won't spend as much money on research. Offering tax benefits as an incentive for R&D will be one strategy.

The DRDO's future becomes evident at this point. To do what the industry can do is quite pointless. It might be left with new technologies and "strategic" missions, or it might decide to do something else entirely.

With more than 20 years of experience, the DRDO has successfully tested its ballistic missile programme for more than ten years.

An upcoming test that could examine higher-range enemy missile interception is now under development. It is up to the government to decide when to use it, mostly for city defence.

Also running is the VSHORAD programme. Against hostile aircraft, infantry units and other units need to use the Very Short Range Air Defence system, which is a man-portable missile. A test is probably coming up shortly as well.

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