India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praising its pivotal role in operations like Sindoor against terrorists. Key approvals included Anti-Tank Nag Missile (Tracked) MK-2, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo, and Air-borne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) MK-1A, alongside 11 contracts worth ₹26,000 crore for systems like Pinaka rockets and ATAGS artillery. These advancements, highlighted by Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW), underscore DRDO's shift from lab to battlefield amid Mission Sudarshan Chakra for comprehensive air defense. User trials neared completion for Pralay missile, Akash-NG, and MPATGM, boosting Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities.​

DRDO's pipeline features next-gen threats like Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, Rudram-2 air-to-surface missile, and UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. Cannon-launched anti-tank missiles for Arjun tanks, Gaurav glide bombs, and high-power microwave systems target electronic warfare dominance. Radar upgrades include Long Range and VHF Surveillance types, with Mountain Radars for high-altitude ops. IDRW reports design finalization for Nuclear Attack Submarines (Project-77) and Conventional ones (Project-76) within three years, sharing tech to cut costs.​

Strategic deterrence leaps forward with a next-gen Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) incorporating Agni-V MkII tech and anti-ABM features, per IDRW sources. Production partners signed deals for Ashwini Radar, ADFCR, and EW suites for Mi-17 helicopters, plus Area Denial Munitions and CBRN purifiers. Over 4,000 industry tests in 2025 via DRDO facilities align with Make in India, with 15 Academia Centers of Excellence driving 341 projects worth ₹1,218 crore. Dr. Samir V. Kamat emphasized user acceptance of pending systems in 2026 for rapid deployment.​

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Challenges met include Operation Sindoor's weapon success post-Pahalgam attack, with Mission Sudarshan Chakra safeguarding installations. Contracts cover Infantry Foot Bridges, Wargaming Systems, and OBOGS for Tejas LCA, plus fire protection for Dornier-228. IDRW notes DRDO's industry pivot, enabling private firms and DPSUs. This ₹1.30 lakh crore Acceptance of Necessity wave signals deployment focus.​

Global edge sharpens as DRDO eyes 69th year with scalable solutions for Armed Forces, per Indian Defence News and IDRW. From submarines to ICBMs, these strides cement India's self-reliance.​

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