Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveils DFP-2026 to boost DRDO efficiency, speed up defence R&D projects

The government released a revised framework titled Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO 2026 (DFP-2026), aimed at accelerating the production and induction of defence systems, platforms, and technologies developed through India’s research and development ecosystem.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the framework in New Delhi, describing it as a major reform designed to improve efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic defence R&D projects. According to officials, the new policy will strengthen functional empowerment at various levels within the Department of Defence R&D.

Singh said the revised framework will help fast-track the transition of technologies from laboratories to the armed forces, thereby improving operational readiness. He also highlighted that it will promote stronger collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which functions under the Ministry of Defence, is expected to benefit significantly from the updated financial structure. The framework introduces dedicated provisions for trial campaigns, testing, evaluation activities, and pre-project R&D approvals.

It also clarifies financial powers related to grants-in-aid for extramural research projects, innovation centres of excellence, and technology development fund initiatives.

Officials said the reform will ensure clearer segregation of financial responsibilities and accelerate decision-making processes, ultimately leading to faster delivery of critical defence systems.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen N. S. Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, and other senior officials were present at the event.