Rajnath unveils DFP-2026 to speed-up DRDO's defence R&D projects

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (June 29, 2026) released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), a major reform aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and the timely execution of strategic research and development projects.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Singh said the revised framework would facilitate faster production and induction of systems, platforms and technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) into the armed forces.

He added that DFP-2026 would strengthen collaboration with industry and academia, further advancing the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Will enhance self-reliance

Mr. Singh said the new financial powers framework would enhance self-reliance in defence technologies and significantly strengthen the country’s defence preparedness.

According to the Ministry of Defence, DFP-2026 is designed to enhance functional empowerment at various levels within the Department of Defence R&D.

The revised framework provides dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, testing and evaluation activities, authorises the sanctioning of pre-project R&D initiatives, and clearly segregates financial powers for grants-in-aid related to Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence, and Technology Development Fund projects under separate schedules.

Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani; Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, along with other senior officials, were present at the event held in New Delhi.