DRDO Financial Powers Revamped to Boost Strategic R&D

Revised framework will accelerate delivery of critical systems and foster stronger collaboration with industry & academia, says Raksha Mantri

DFP-2026 will reinforce Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision & strengthen defence preparedness: RM

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on June 29, 2026, released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), a major reform to enhance efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic R&D projects. The DFP-2026 will facilitate faster production and induction of systems, platforms & technologies emerging from the R&D ecosystem into the Defence Forces, stated Raksha Mantri, adding that the new framework will foster stronger collaboration with the industry and academia, reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He furthered that the revised framework will contribute to enhanced self-reliance in defence technologies and strengthen the nation’s defence preparedness.

The DFP-2026 aims to significantly enhance functional empowerment at various levels within the Department of Defence R&D. The revised framework addresses several critical requirements, including dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, tests and evaluation activities, authorisation for sanctioning pre-project R&D initiatives, and clear segregation of financial powers for grants-in-aid pertaining to Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence, and Technology Development Fund projects under the respective schedules.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani; Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh; Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar; Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Smt Sukriti Likhi; Controller General of Defence Accounts Shri Anugraha Narayana Das; DG (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO Shri RV Hara Prasad; DG (Resources & Management) Dr Ravindra Singh; Additional Financial Advisor & JS Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava; Director, Directorate of Finance & Material Management Dr Maiya Din and other senior officials were present during the event in New Delhi.