New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday unveiled the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), a major reform aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and the timely execution of strategic defence research and development projects. The new framework is expected to speed up the development, production and induction of indigenous defence systems, platforms and technologies into the Armed Forces while strengthening collaboration between DRDO, industry and academic institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister said the revised financial powers framework would support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting self-reliance in defence technologies and enhancing the country’s defence preparedness. He noted that the reforms would enable faster decision-making and smoother implementation of research projects.
The DFP-2026 introduces greater financial empowerment at different levels within the Department of Defence Research and Development. It includes dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, testing and evaluation activities, authorisation for approving pre-project research initiatives, and separate financial powers for grants related to Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence and Technology Development Fund projects.
The event, held in New Delhi, was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan? Correction: General N.S. Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, Ex-Servicemen Welfare Secretary Sukriti Likhi, Controller General of Defence Accounts Anugraha Narayana Das, senior DRDO officials and other dignitaries.