• In 63 years, DRDO has transformed the landscape of defence research and development in India.
• DRDO also played a significant role in fighting against COVID-19 pandemic. It set up around 850 oxygen plants and Covid hospitals with the help from PM CARES Fund.
• It also developed a medicine named 2DG, to fight covid-19.
• Synergy with the defence industry with respect to development and production has reached to new heights in India, with more than 175 transfers of technologies happened in 2021 alone.

About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

DRDO is the premier agency, working under the Department of Defence Research & Development in Ministry of Defence. It is charged with the military’s research and development. The organisation is headquartered in Delhi.

History of DRDO

DRDO was established on January 1, 1958 after merging Directorate of Technical Development & Production of Indian Ordnance Factories and Technical Development Establishment, with Defence Science Organisation. In 1979, Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) was set up as a service of Group ‘A’ Officers / Scientists.

Works of DRDO

DRDO has a network of 52 laboratories. These laboratories are engaged in developing defence technologies covering fields such as aeronautics, electronics, armaments, life sciences, land combat engineering, naval systems, materials and missiles.

Scientists in DRDO

DRDO is the largest and most diverse research organisation in India. It comprises of about 5,000 scientists belonging to the DRDS and around 25,000 other subordinate scientific, technical and supporting personnel.

Chairman and Secretary

Current Secretary and Chairman of DRDO is Dr G Satheesh Reddy.