DRDO Transfers Key Missile Sensor Shield Technology to Industry Partners

New Delhi — The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Hyderabad has transferred three advanced material technologies to industry partners, including one for producing protective covers for critical missile sensors, officials said on Thursday.

At a ceremony held in Hyderabad on August 30, DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Samir V. Kamat, handed over the Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) documents to industry representatives.

Kamat praised the research and development efforts that led to these successful transfers and highlighted DMRL’s role in strengthening partnerships between industry and research institutions to boost indigenous technological innovations.

Among the technologies transferred was one for the manufacture of high-strength Radomes—protective shields for vital missile sensors—granted to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Jagdishpur. This is expected to enhance self-reliance in missile systems and support critical defence programmes.

The second transfer went to Jindal Steel Plant, Angul, for producing DMR-1700 steel sheets and plates, offering ultra-high strength and high fracture toughness at room temperature for defence applications.

The third technology, for DMR-249A HSLA steel plates used in naval vessels, was transferred to Bhilai Steel Plant of SAIL. These plates meet stringent physical, metallurgical, and dimensional standards, making them vital for naval construction.

According to an official statement, these transfers mark a major step in advancing indigenous materials technology for strategic applications. Partnering with established industry players will allow these innovations to be scaled quickly for both commercial and defence use.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between DMRL and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Civil Aviation to leverage the lab’s expertise and facilities in support of aviation investigations.

The event was attended by senior DRDO officials, including Dr R.V. Hara Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), Dr Manu Korulla, Director General (Resource and Management), and DMRL Director Dr R. Balamuralikrishnan.

With inputs from IANS