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DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation. It was started in 1958 by the Government of India. DRDO works under the Ministry of Defence, also called the Raksha Mantralaya.
DRDO is very important for India’s defence system. It makes powerful things like missiles, weapons, radars, and defence technology that keep our country safe. That’s why DRDO is an important topic in the UPSC syllabus.
In the UPSC Prelims Exam, many questions are asked about missile launches, missile types, and defence projects. To do well in the exam, students must remember key facts and figures about DRDO.
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What is the Full Form of DRDO?
The full form of DRDO is Defence Research and Development Organisation.
DRDO Latest News: Sindhu Netra Satellite Launched
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched a new satellite called Sindhu Netra on February 28, 2021. This satellite helps India keep an eye on ships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It can watch military warships and merchant ships to keep our country safe.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) helped to send this satellite into space. They used a special rocket named PSLV-C51 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
This new satellite is a big step in making India’s space and defence system stronger.
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History of DRDO
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was started in 1958 by the Government of India. It was formed by joining three important defence groups:
- Defence Science Organisation (DSO)
- Defence Technical Development Establishment (DTDE)
- Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP)
In 1960, DRDO began its first big project called Project Indigo, which was about making Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM). But this project did not succeed and was stopped.
When DRDO started, it had only 10 labs. Now, DRDO has more than 50 labs all over India. These labs work on many smart technologies to make India strong in defence.
DRDO Labs List
DRDO has many special labs across India. These labs work on science and technology to make India’s defence stronger. Each lab has its own job like working on missiles, food for soldiers, high-tech machines, and more.
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City | Labs | |
Delhi | Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL) | Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS) |
Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Technology (ASEMIT) | Institute for Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA) | |
Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) | Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC) | |
Defense Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC) | Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) | |
Defense Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS) | Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) | |
Defense Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) | ||
Hyderabad | Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG) | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) |
Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) | Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) | |
Research Centre Imarat (RCI) | ||
Chandigarh | Snow & Avalanche Study Estt (SASE) | Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) |
Bangalore | Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) | Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) |
Centre For Airborne System (CABS) | Defence Bioengineering & Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) | |
Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR) | Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) | |
Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) | Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre (MTRDC) | |
Bangalore Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) | ||
Pune | Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) | High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) |
Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) | Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) | |
Dehradun | Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) | Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) |
Agra | Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) | |
Nasik | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) | |
Chennai | Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) | |
Mysore | Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) | |
Haldwani | Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER) | |
Leh Ladakh | Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) | |
Jodhpur | Defence Laboratory (DLJ) | |
Kanpur | Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) | |
Gwalior | Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE) | |
Tezpur | Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) | |
Mussoorie | Institute of Technology Management (ITM) | |
Ambernath | Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) | |
Cochin | Naval Physical Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) | |
Visakhapatnam | Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) | |
Balasore | Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) | Integrated Test Range (ITR) |
Ahmednagar | Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) |
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Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
One of the most important contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). This programme was launched to help India become self-reliant in making its own missile technology for defence purposes. It aimed to reduce dependence on foreign countries by building powerful missiles within India.
In 1983, after receiving approval from the Government of India, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) started working on this mission. DRDO joined hands with scientists, research labs, colleges, industries, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force to design and build indigenous strategic missile systems for the country’s safety and strength.
List of Indian Missiles by DRDO
After the successful launch of Agni-III in 2008, the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was officially declared complete. This marked a proud moment for India, as the country was now considered self-reliant in missile technology.
Missile Category | Description |
Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) | Missiles launched from the ground to destroy enemy aircrafts or missiles. |
Air-to-Air Missiles | Missiles fired from one aircraft to hit another aircraft. |
Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM) | Missiles launched from the ground to hit targets on land. |
Defence Missiles (Interceptor) | Missiles designed to intercept and destroy incoming enemy missiles. |
Cruise Missiles | Low-flying missiles that travel like airplanes and can hit ground targets. |
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) | Missiles launched from submarines to hit land-based targets. |
Anti-Tank Missiles | Missiles made to destroy tanks and armored vehicles. |
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DRDO’s MARS
The DRDO lab in Pune has made a smart robot called MARS, which stands for Mobile Autonomous Robot System. This robot is very helpful for the Indian Army. It can find and safely remove landmines and dangerous bombs (called IEDs) from a safe distance, even in risky and dangerous areas.
MARS was made by the Electro-Mechanical Systems Group at the R&DE Lab. This strong robot helps protect soldiers by doing risky jobs for them, making our army smarter and safer.
DRDO’s Smart Robot That Saves Lives
MARS stands for Mobile Autonomous Robot System. It is a smart robot made by DRDO that can work on its own using a special built-in program.
MARS can see, find, and pick up any suspicious object, like a hidden bomb. It then moves the object to a safe place. With extra tools, MARS can also dig the ground, find the object, and even defuse bombs (IEDs) in different ways.
Before touching anything, MARS creates a 3D picture of the object to understand it better. Scientists say MARS can be used in many ways and can work in any kind of area, like mud, sand, or rocks.
How MARS Robot is Useful?
The MARS robot made by DRDO was shown in a big army event in Pune. This event focused on how to remove landmines safely. Many countries from South East Asia joined the event because they also have problems with old war bombs still hidden in the ground. In such places, MARS can be very helpful.
In India, some areas have trouble with terrorism and extremism, where bombs (IEDs) are used. MARS can help the police, army, and paramilitary forces to find and remove these bombs from far away, keeping people safe.
If a telecom system is added, MARS can be controlled from very far. Soon, the R&DE Lab will share this technology with companies so they can build more MARS robots for India’s safety.
DRDO’s Highest Research Centre in Ladakh
DRDO has built the world’s highest research centre in Ladakh at a place called Changla, near the famous Pangong Lake. This centre is located at a height of 17,600 feet above sea level!
This centre works like a natural cold storage to keep medicinal and natural plants fresh for a long time. It also helps in research related to food, farming, and medicine, which is very useful for Indian soldiers living in high mountains.
The centre was started in 2018 by DIHAR (Defence Institute of High Altitude Research) and is now used for many life sciences projects to help people and soldiers in cold, high areas.
Challenges Faced by DRDO
Even though DRDO works hard to make India strong in defence, it still faces some big challenges. Here are the main problems:
1. Budget Problems
In 2016-17, a report said that many DRDO projects did not get enough money to work properly. Later, when the NDA government came to power, they increased the defence budget, and by 2018, the military spending was very high.
2. ISRO vs DRDO
People often compare ISRO and DRDO. ISRO made big projects like the Mars Mission at a very low cost, even cheaper than some movies! But DRDO sometimes faces delays due to too many rules and slow changes in the Ministry of Defence. That’s why ISRO gets more support from the government than DRDO.
3. Not Enough Staff
DRDO does not have enough experts and workers, especially in important research areas. It also needs better teamwork with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
4. Old Technology
A lot of defence items are still bought from other countries, which is expensive and affects our economy. DRDO spends too much time improving old technology instead of creating new and modern ones.
FAQs on DRDO Full Form
What is a DRDO Government job?
DRDO Government job is a central government job in defence research, technology, and development for national security.
What are the jobs in DRDO salary?
DRDO salaries vary by post, but most jobs offer ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month, plus benefits.
Is DRDO under Government?
Yes, DRDO is under the Government of India.
Who controls DRDO?
DRDO is controlled by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.