Indian Army Diversifies Focus: Allocates Majority of 354 Projects to Alternative R&D Platforms

The Indian Army is allocating a larger portion of its 354 projects to research and development (R&D) platforms other than DRDO's Technology Development Fund (TDF). This shift indicates an increased emphasis on exploring alternative development avenues and leveraging in-house expertise for technology-based innovative solutions. Dissatisfied with the outcomes of projects sourced from DRDO's TDF, designed to promote self-reliance in indigenous state-of-the-art defence systems, the Army is broadening its approach. Army officials underscore that, for 365 modernization, research and development (R&D), and design and development (D&D) projects, they are not relying solely on DRDO. Instead, the Army is actively considering alternative avenues such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Army Technology Board (ATB), and In-House Research and Development (IR&D) to meet the requirements for weapon systems and other defence needs.