In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over seven home-grown technologies to the Indian Armed Forces on 2 December 2025. These technologies were developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which promotes indigenous defence innovations by supporting Indian industry, particularly MSMEs and startups. The event also saw the approval of 12 new projects covering strategic, aerospace, naval, and electronic warfare (EW) domains — reflecting India’s growing commitment to defence self-reliance.
What is the TDF Scheme?
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Defence and implemented by DRDO to support indigenous development of defence technologies. The aim is to reduce India’s reliance on imported defence systems by enabling Indian companies to design, develop, and deliver critical technologies.
Under this scheme,
- Funding of up to ₹50 crore is provided for selected projects
- Projects are open to startups, MSMEs, private firms, and academia
- It covers the journey from concept to prototype and eventual deployment
- Focus areas include aerospace, naval systems, EW, materials, and more
TDF is a key pillar of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in the defence sector.
Technologies Handed Over to the Armed Forces
Seven critical technologies developed with TDF support were officially transferred to the three defence services. These include,
- High-Voltage Power Supply for airborne jammers used in self-protection systems
- Tide-Efficient Gangway for improved access at naval jetties
- Switching Matrix Systems for managing Very Low Frequency (VLF) and High Frequency (HF) communications
- VLF Loop Aerials for secure communication on underwater platforms
- Indigenous Waterjet Propulsion System for Fast Interceptor Craft
- Technology to Recover Lithium Precursors from used lithium-ion batteries
- Long-Life Seawater Battery System for sustained underwater surveillance
These technologies were developed in collaboration with Indian companies and validated through extensive testing, marking a major step in import substitution and indigenous capability development.
Significance of the Development
This handover has strategic importance for several reasons,
- Enhances India’s self-reliance in critical technologies
- Reduces dependency on foreign defence suppliers
- Strengthens the role of MSMEs and startups in national security
- Accelerates the transfer of technology from lab to battlefield
- Encourages innovation through public-private partnerships
This also demonstrates that Indian industry, when guided and supported, can deliver high-grade systems required by the Armed Forces.
New Projects Approved
Alongside the handover, DRDO’s Empowered Committee approved 12 new defence projects under the TDF scheme. These cover a wide range of domains such as,
- Strategic technologies
- Aerospace systems
- Naval applications
- Electronic warfare and communication technologies
The focus of these new projects is to address emerging operational needs and to build domestic capabilities in cutting-edge technologies.
Static Facts & Key Takeaways
- Technology Development Fund (TDF) was launched by the Ministry of Defence under the “Make in India” initiative
- Maximum funding: ₹50 crore per project
- Open to: MSMEs, startups, academia, private industry
- Managed by: DRDO under Department of Defence R&D
- Objective: Indigenous development of defence technologies and products
- Seven indigenous defence technologies were handed over to the Armed Forces on 2 December 2025
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