In a clear signal of the government’s intensified push for defense-manufacturing self-reliance, the DRDO handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) covering eight advanced defense systems to industry partners during its flagship two-day event, SAMANVAY 2025, held in Bengaluru on 29 October 2025.
The event was organized by the DRDO’s Electronics & Communication Systems (ECS) Cluster and attended by over 150 industry representatives, including large defence firms, MSMEs, and startups – essentially a deliberate strategy to deepen participation of non-traditional players in defence manufacturing.
What technologies were transferred?
The LATOTs span a diverse and strategic range of systems, reflecting DRDO’s intent to hand over mature, mission-critical technologies to industry for production escalation:
The D-29 Electronic Warfare Suite, which was developed by the Combat Aircraft System Development & Integration Centre, was licensed to Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru.
Transfer of NATSAT Handheld & Mini Terminals, developed by Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), to BEL, Panchkula.
In accordance with the licensing agreement, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), along with Project SAMUDRIKA, licensed the Sarang Electronic Support Measure (ESM) System and DOLPHIN-II to the BEL at Bengaluru.
A Laser Beam Rider Guidance System with Eye-safe Laser Range Finder and an Athermal Laser Target Designator (IRDE products) were transferred to BEL Pune and Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, respectively.
The license to build the Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy equipment was issued to four private firms: DH Ltd, Ghaziabad; Enertech Engineering, Hyderabad; Beam Infotech, Gurgaon; and Nibe Ltd, Pune.
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An M-Type Dispenser Cathode technology was transferred to Panacea Medical Technologies, Malur, Karnataka, from MTRDC.
These transfers highlight that DRDO is not just handing over traditional defence systems, but also dual-use and enabling technologies (laser systems, spectroscopy, electronics) that can have both military and civilian applications.
Why this matters for startups, MSMEs and the ecosystem
Closing the Lab-Production Gap: Speeding up the pipeline has always been one of the perennial challenges facing the country’s defence R&D. By licensing mature technologies to industry partners, DRDO is closing this gap and pushing for quicker realisation of indigenous capabilities.
Inclusion of non-traditional players: By explicitly involving smaller firms and MSMEs (for example in laser photoacoustic systems), DRDO is broadening the base of the defence innovation ecosystem — beyond large defence PSUs.
Policy push aligns with the Make in India/Make for the World narrative, with the DRDO Chairman, Samir V. Kamat, stating, “From research laboratories to real-world capabilities, DRDO is partnering with industry… to realise the government’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’”.
Business Opportunity: Now, the companies which get LATOTs have to scale up, manufacture, get certification, and handle supply chains and exports. There is a need for services and communication in positioning such firms, telling their story, and linking them with national strategic shifts. That’s where PR and media platforms can play a role.
What’s next & implications
The event had 10 thematic sessions on “MSME and Start-Up Engagements”, “Development-cum-Production Partnerships (DcPPs)”, and “DRDO’s Technology Transfer Framework” — indicating deeper institutional reforms to open up the innovation ecosystem. Devdiscourse The creation of “Industry Interaction Groups” across DRDO labs, centres and HQ was announced, aimed at enhancing transparency, easier access and better industry understanding of DRDO’s policies and process.
From a strategic viewpoint, the technology transfers strengthen India’s ability to produce and export defence systems. At a time when global supply-chain realignments and geopolitical pressures favour self-reliance, India is positioning itself as a domestic manufacturing hub.
For startups and smaller firms, the message is clear: innovation is welcome, but scaling to production and working in the defence value-chain is the next frontier. Firms that get licensing deals must now focus on manufacturing maturity, certification, and working with the chain (DPSUs, private OEMs, etc.). Key take-aways for PR/visibility Narrative angle:
“Startup to producer: how Indian firms are multiplying defence-tech capacity via DRDO licences.” Client outreach: Identify startups/MSMEs in your network who have or can secure LATOTs and create feature stories: “
