India is embarking on a historic overhaul of its defence research and development ecosystem, aiming to transform its Defence Research and Development Organisation into a future-ready, innovation-driven institution. The reforms, backed by the highest levels of government, seek to consolidate laboratories, create a new department to foster collaboration with industry and academia, and shift DRDO's focus toward core research and technology incubation. Production and routine development will increasingly be outsourced to industry, while startups and private firms are expected to play a larger role in defence innovation.

The blueprint includes merging existing laboratories into thematic clusters, introducing performance-linked metrics, and attracting top talent through lateral recruitment and flexible career tracks. A new department will act as a bridge between DRDO, universities, and industry, supporting technology transfer and startup engagement. The reforms aim to break down bureaucratic barriers, foster a culture of risk-taking and experimentation, and position India as a global leader in defence technology. Success will depend not only on structural changes but also on cultural shifts within DRDO and its partners, as well as deeper integration with global research networks.