Why in the news
A revised financial framework for DRDO, DFP-2026, was released on 29 June 2026 to give the agency more spending freedom and cut delays between innovation and induction into the Armed Forces. A companion document, DFPDS-2026, covers the Services.
Key facts
- Released by: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, New Delhi, 29 June 2026.
- Companion framework: DFPDS-2026 to speed up defence procurement.
- Pre-project R&D: early-stage grants can be authorised before formal approval.
- Trials: first-time dedicated funds for trial campaigns, testing and evaluation.
- Safeguard: powers remain subject to availability of funds and rule compliance.
Features of DFP-2026
| Area | Change |
|---|
| Autonomy | Higher-level delegation for faster approval and execution |
| Trials and testing | Dedicated provision, a first |
| Early research | Grants possible before project sanction |
| Grant schedules | Separate ones for EMRPs, DIA-CoEs and TDF |
| Project directors | Empowered, fewer administrative bottlenecks |
Objectives
- Faster research, development, testing and induction of home-grown defence technology.
- Better financial efficiency, accountability and self-reliance.
- More industry, academia, startup and MSME collaboration under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
About DRDO
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| Full form | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Set up | 1958, by merging 3 institutions |
| Headquarters | DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi |
| Parent body | Department of Defence R&D, Ministry of Defence |
| Chairman and DDR&D Secretary | Dr. Samir V. Kamat |
| Network | 50+ laboratories |
Exam angle
- DFP-2026 covers DRDO research; DFPDS-2026 covers Services procurement.
- Expand EMRP, DIA-CoE and TDF.
- DRDO head: Dr. Samir V. Kamat; founded in 1958.