Rajnath Singh unveils DFP-2026 to enhance accountability, timely execution of R&D projects
DFP-2026, introduced here by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to significantly increase functional authorization at various levels within the Department of Defense R&D in the defense ministry, officials said.
This is a “major reform” to increase efficiency, accountability and timely execution of strategic R&D projects, the ministry said in a statement.
“This will facilitate faster production and incorporation into defense forces of systems, platforms and technologies emerging from the R&D ecosystem,” Singh said in the statement.
He added that the new framework will strengthen the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging stronger collaboration with industry and academia.
Singh also said that the revised framework will contribute to increased self-confidence in defense technologies and strengthen the country’s defense preparedness.
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) works under the Defense Research and Development Department (DD R&D) of the ministry of defence. The revised framework addresses several critical requirements, including specific financial provisions for trial campaigns, testing and evaluation activities, and authorization for approval of pre-project R&D initiatives.
The statement stated that the reform aims to clearly separate financial powers for aid grants for extra-urban research projects, defense innovation accelerator centers of excellence and technology development fund projects within the relevant programs.
Singh also said the revised framework will “accelerate” the delivery of critical systems.
Chief of Defense Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Defense Minister and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
