Why in news?
DRDO celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026. The event highlighted the organization's contributions to India's defense self-reliance.
Significance of 68th Foundation Day
- Record-breaking procurement approvals in 2025 marked a milestone in India’s defence self-reliance.
- Indigenous technology push reinforced confidence in the armed forces and reduced dependency on foreign imports.
- Strategic autonomy focus: DRDO’s innovations are seen as vital for India’s long-term security and global standing.
About DRDO
- Founded: 1958
- Motto: Balasya Mulam Vigyanam (“Strength’s Origin is in Science”)
- Role: Indigenous design and development of advanced defense technologies for the Indian Armed Forces.
- Impact: Strengthens national security, sovereignty, and Atma-Nirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.
Major Achievements of DRDO
1. Missile Development
- Agni Series: Long-range ballistic missiles, including Agni-V (intercontinental range).
- Akash & Akash-NG: Surface-to-air missile systems with advanced targeting.
- BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile jointly developed with Russia, considered one of the fastest in the world.
- Rudram-2 (2024): India’s first indigenous air-to-surface anti-radiation missile.
2. Combat Aircraft
- LCA Tejas: India’s first indigenous light combat aircraft, inducted into the Indian Air Force.
- Advanced UAVs: Nishant, Rustom, and other unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and combat.
3. Strategic Defense Systems
- Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (Pinaka).
- Electronic Warfare Systems & Radars.
- Sonars & Torpedoes for naval defense.
- NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection technologies.
4. Recent Breakthroughs (2024)
- Successful flight tests of next-gen Akash missiles.
- Development of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile.
- Strengthened cyber and electronic warfare capabilities.
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