Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) : News and Updates

[ShiroBarks]

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI) have partnered on a ₹50-crore project spanning four years to develop indigenous, lightweight bulletproof glass for armoured vehicles.

The new glass aims to be 30–50% lighter and thinner than imported alternatives while providing multi-shot protection against AK-47 rifle fire. Initial trials successfully stopped bullets fired from a Trichy Assault Rifle at 10 metres, travelling at approximately 695 metres per second.

The next phase will involve multi-shot testing, followed by plans for large-scale manufacturing with an industry partner. The technology could also be used in aircraft, naval systems and critical infrastructure, helping India reduce its dependence on imported defence materials.

DRDO, CSIR-CGCRI join hands on Rs 50-crore project to develop lighter bulletproof glass - The Economic Times

The Defence Research and Development Organisation and CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute are collaborating on an advanced project. This project aims to develop indigenous lightweight bulletproof glass technology for armored vehicles. It seeks to replace imported materials while...

m.economictimes.com

 

[ShiroBarks]

123 days since Kamat Sir retired

 

[Shan]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2106984144471494958

R&DE(E), DRDO, Pune has successfully developed and tested indigenous lightweight STANAG-6 (30mm AP) armour panels for next-generation MBTs, Light Tanks and FICVs.DRDO has now issued an EoI for Transfer of Technology (ToT) to Indian vendors for manufacturing this technology, paving the way for wider industrial adoption, indigenous production.

 

[RandomGoober]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2106984144471494958

It should be different from DMRL's effort of making 25/30 mm FSAPDS proof panels for the Zorawar since they fall under the DG(NS&M) cluster.

 

[spice]

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2319551&reg=48&lang=1

DRDO Conducts Flight Trial of High-Altitude Platform​

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the successful flight trial of indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS). The experimental flight attained an altitude of 21 km above mean mean level (AMSL) and remained at an altitude of 20 km AMSL for more than 30 minutes, before it was commanded to descend back to ground. The system was successfully recovered and flight performance data was analyzed.

Real-time video data and all other vehicle parameters were acquired from the Airborne platform at Ground Control Station during the entire flight, which showed intended flight performance. System carried various instrumentation and control electronic packages like an inertial measurement unit, Global positioning system receiver, onboard cameras, altitude control mechanism besides various other sub-systems. The trial was conducted in coordination with various agencies, namely Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities.

The High-Altitude Platform, a lighter than air system as a long endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform, is being designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, IAF, PSUs and Industry on successful flight trial of High-Altitude Platform and stated that the successful trial is an important milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey towards realizing a long endurance stratospheric Airship.

Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh has congratulated the teams associated with the flight trial of high-altitude airship platform.​

 

[project igi]

DRDO HAPS

 

[Ashwin]

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2319551&reg=48&lang=1

DRDO Conducts Flight Trial of High-Altitude Platform​

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the successful flight trial of indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS). The experimental flight attained an altitude of 21 km above mean mean level (AMSL) and remained at an altitude of 20 km AMSL for more than 30 minutes, before it was commanded to descend back to ground. The system was successfully recovered and flight performance data was analyzed.

Real-time video data and all other vehicle parameters were acquired from the Airborne platform at Ground Control Station during the entire flight, which showed intended flight performance. System carried various instrumentation and control electronic packages like an inertial measurement unit, Global positioning system receiver, onboard cameras, altitude control mechanism besides various other sub-systems. The trial was conducted in coordination with various agencies, namely Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities.

The High-Altitude Platform, a lighter than air system as a long endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform, is being designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, IAF, PSUs and Industry on successful flight trial of High-Altitude Platform and stated that the successful trial is an important milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey towards realizing a long endurance stratospheric Airship.

Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh has congratulated the teams associated with the flight trial of high-altitude airship platform.​

https://twitter.com/x/status/2107425026924535846

 

[Ashwin]

Indigenous AIP system for Indian Navy’s diesel-electric submarines achieves key milestone with inauguration of Setting to Work Phase-2 Activity​

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Posted On: 24 OCT 2026 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

A significant milestone towards enhancing Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities has been achieved with the inauguration of ‘Setting to Work Phase (STW)-2’ activity of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system Energy Module developed indigenously by Naval Materials Research Laboratory, DRDO. The AIP system boosts the underwater endurance of the diesel-electric submarines by reducing its dependence on atmospheric oxygen.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Larsen and Toubro’s, AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat on October 24, 2026. Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh was the Chief Guest who graced the ceremony virtually. Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy Vice Admiral B Sivakumar and Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO Dr R Balamuralikrishnan attended the event at L&T Hazira, Gujarat.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman DRDO congratulated DRDO and the industry partners and appreciated the scientific perseverance & industrial cooperation in the indigenous AIP Program, which has culminated into productive reality on the shop floor. He also acknowledged the cooperation rendered by the Indian Navy to DRDO throughout the course of this programme, including testing and validating at every stage of the trials. He emphasised on working towards next phases of the program towards achieving Navy’s induction timelines for AIP system while maintaining the exacting safety culture that hydrogen and fuel cell systems require without compromise.

In the next phase, the AIP Energy Module will be energised for power production and tested rigorously as per Indian Navy’s protocols before handing over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for integration on Kalvari-class Submarine in early 2027.