Defence Research & Development Organization
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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) works under Department of Defence Research and Development of Ministry of Defence. 
DRDO dedicatedly working towards enhancing self-reliance in Defence Systems and undertakes design & development leading to production of world class weapon systems and equipment in accordance with the expressed needs and the qualitative requirements laid down by the three services. DRDO is working in various areas of military technology which include aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation and life sciences.
Here, you find the centres listed according to their area of research and, below, alphabetically with additional information.
Centres by Research Area
Aeronautics
- Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore
- Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra
- Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), Bangalore
- Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), Bangalore
- Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bangalore
- Center for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), Bangalore
Armaments
- Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune
- Centre for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune
- Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Balasore
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory( TBRL), Chandigarh
Combat Vehicles & Engineering
- Combat Vehicles Research & Development Estt. (CVRDE), Chennai
- Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar
- Research & Development Establishment (R&DE), Pune
- Snow & Avalanche Study Estt (SASE), Chandigarh
Electronics & Computer Sciences
- Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG), Hyderabad
- Center for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Bangalore
- Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun
- Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad
- Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL), Delhi
- Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Delhi
- Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun
- Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi
- Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bangalore
- Microwave Tube Research & Development Center (MTRDC), Bangalore
- Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi
- Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi
Human Resource Development
- Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (Deemed University), Pune
- Institute of Technology Management (ITM), Mussorie
Naval Research & Development
- Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), Ambernath
- Naval Physical & Ocenographic Laboratory (NPOL), Cochin
- Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Vishakapatnam
Life Sciences
- Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DARL), Pithoragarh
- Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bangalore
- Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore
- Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Delhi
- Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), Delhi
- Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tejpur
- Field Research Laboratory (FRL)
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi
- Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior
Materials
- Defence Laboratory (DLJ), Jodhpur
- Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad
- Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur
Missiles
- Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
- Institute of Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA), Delhi
- Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore
- Research Center Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
Centres alphabetically
Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG), Hyderabad, http://www.drdo.com/labs/anurag/historical_background.html
- Parallel processing technology
- System engineering, integration
- General purpose microprocessors
- 1-µ CMOS fabrication technology
- Design and development of VLSI chips & SOC development
- Processor related technology
- System software development for custom made processors
Armament Research & Development Establishment, http://www.drdo.com/labs/arde/historical_background.html
- Design & Development of Conventional Armaments (CA) for the Services and Para-Military Forces
- Basic & Applied Research, Modelling, Simulation and Software development in the field of CA
- ToT to production/QA agencies and product ionisation
- Pilot Plant production of Critical stores/Materials
- Assistance to Industry in production of Arm stores
- Life extension and PIPs for in-Service equipment
- Weapon Systems of Foreign Origin T&E and advice to Services regarding induction and indigenisation
Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), http://www.drdo.com/labs/cair/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=04
- Information System
- Communications and Networking
- Communication Security
- Intelligent Systems
- Signal Processing (Image/ Speech Processing)
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- Robotics
Centre for Fire, Environment & Explosive Safety, http://www.drdo.com/labs/cfees/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=05
Explosive Safety
- Siting of explosive processing & Storage Houses.
- Enforcing compliance of statutory rules.
- Preparing and updating STEC Pamphlets.
- Design, Testing and Evaluation of Safe Explosive Storage Houses.
- Simulation and modelling Risk Hazard Analysis & Disaster Management
Environment Safety
- Development of Treatment and Disposal Techniques for Hazardous Heavy Metal Wastes.
- Development of Photodegradable Polyethylene to be used as Packaging Material at High Altitudes.
Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), http://www.drdo.com/labs/cvrde/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=08
- Main Battle TankSelf
- Propelled Artillery Gun
- Carrier Mortar Tracked (CMT)
- Armoured Ambulance
- Vehicles for Missile Programme
- Bridge Layer Tank
Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), http://www.drdo.com/labs/darl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=09
- Development of biotic and abiotic stress tolerant vegetable varieties/hybrids through genetic engineering and conventional breeding.
- Survey and Screening of Medicinal plants of Himalayan region and development of herbal products.
- Development of Angora Rabbit for high altitude clothing under UNDP.
- Green house technology to enhance vegetable production for troops and civil populace in Himalayan region
Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), http://www.drdo.com/labs/dare/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=10
Over the last decade, DARE has made rapid progress in the areas of Airborne Electronic Warfare, Airborne Processors and Testing & Evaluation of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
It has implemented concepts in concurrent engineering in partnership with the Industry in order to achieve shorter design to induction time frames and seamless transfer of technology. DARE has two major wings – the Electronic Warfare (EW) wing and the Mission Avionics Wing (MAW). The EW wing concentrates on design and development of Radar Warner’s, and EW suites for various aircrafts to enhance their survivability and mission accomplishment. These systems are under manufacture at Bharat Electronics. The MAW has pioneered indigenous development in the area of Mission Avionics. The mission computer for fighter aircraft have been developed and delivered in quantities.
Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/debel/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=11
- Aeromedical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- NBC Protection
- Flying Clothing
- Smart Materials
- Underwater
Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun, http://www.drdo.com/labs/deal/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=12
- Data Links
- Software Radios
- Satellite Communication
- Microwave & Millimetre Systems
- Image Processing & Analysis
Defence Institute of Armament Technology, http://www.drdo.com/labs/diat/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=15
- To impart higher education and training in various fields of science and technology having a bearing on defence requirements in general and weapon systems in particular.
- To carry out research, design and development activities with a view to maintain adequate academic standards.
- To maintain active interaction and liaison with universities and other civil and Defence teaching institutes in the country and abroad.
- To maintain a close liaison with the Services HQrs regarding the courses sponsored by them or of interest to them
Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), http://www.drdo.com/labs/frl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=16
- Greening of Ladakh and plant biodiversity conservation
- Provide better quality foodstuffs to the troops and saving air transportation charges (Rs. 27.0 per kg by air) from Chandigarh to Leh during road close
- Boost the morale of the troops
Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), http://www.drdo.com/labs/dipas/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=17
- Acclimatisation Schedule
- Tenure of posting
- Rapid Acclimatisation
- Prevention & Treatment strategy for HA Maladies [HAPE, HACE, Frostbite]
- Heat acclimatization
- Fluid and electrolyte
- Protective measures: Cooling Garment
- Ambient Noise survey
- Audiometric survey
- Development of ear defenders
Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), http://www.drdo.com/labs/dipr/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=18
- Personnel Selection
- Stress & Behaviour
- Military Leadership
- Human Engineering
- Social Engineering
- Organizational Behaviour
- Personality Studies
- Cognitive Development
- Intelligence & Aptitude Testing
- Emotional Intelligence
- Database Management
- Aviation Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Personality Profiling
- Human Resource Information Systems
- Combat stress management
- Disaster preparedness
- Extreme Environment Research Pilot Stress studies
- High-altitude research
- Deception / Camouflage studies
- Terrorism and Violence
- Counselling
- All India Standardization exercise to calibrate selection system
- Instructor cadre course at National Defence Academy, Officers Training Academy, Air Force Academy & Air Force Technical College
- Technical Inspection of SSBs
Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/dmrl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=19
- Materials for armour applications
- Materials for ammunition applications
- Materials for aerospace applications
- Materials for naval applications
- Functional materials such as advanced magnetic materials
- Emerging materials such as nonmaterial’s and smart materials
- Advanced materials processing technologies
- Surface engineering
- Advanced metal joining technologies
- Mechanical behaviour of materials especially at high temperatures, high strain rates and at small length scales.
Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), http://www.drdo.com/labs/drde/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=22
Defence against hazardous chemical and biological agents as well as associated toxicological problems were major thrust areas of the laboratory, which later reorganized to work in the fields of synthetic and analytical chemistry, protective devices, process technology development, pharmacology and toxicology, microbiology, entomology, biochemistry, biotechnology, virology and electron microscopy etc.
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/drdl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=25
- System Design and Engineering
- Aerodynamics
- Propulsion
- Computational Dynamics
- Flight Structures
- Computer & Communication
Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), http://www.drdo.com/labs/inmas/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=30
A state of art ST-E-Discovery PET Scanner & PET trace, 16.5 MeV Cyclotron with an external beam for radiation experiments is installed at the Institute and shall soon be functional. Main applications will be in development of radiopharmaceuticals as well as basic & applied clinical research in NBC and oncology. This will be a central facility for research in the areas in neuro-cognitive sciences, drug development, oncology and physiological studies with life science laboratories of DRDO. In this connection MoU with various academia and multi-specialty medical centers are being planned.
Nude mice are genetically tailored 'Knock-out' mice, which is devoid of the Thymus (Athymic) and also devoid of hair (thus nude) on the skin. In the absence of the thymus, the 'T' cells (a type of lymphocytes) are not formed. Because of absence of 'T' cells, the 'Nude' mice cannot reject tumours or transplant of cells from other species. This is of much use in cancer and immune research. 'Nude' is an autosomal recessive gene, when present in two copies, produces nude characters. This is created by deleting the Exon 7 on chromosome No. 21 which transcribes the thymus growth factor (TGF-7). This can also easily be created by removing the thymus of the mouse within 21 days of birth. INMAS has developed a special cell at the Experimental Animal Facility to maintain 'nude' mice
Institute for System Study and Analysis, http://www.drdo.com/labs/issa/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=31
- Development of Computer War-game Software for Land, Naval and Air Warfare Sensors and Weapon Systems Modelling
- Battlefield Damage Assessment
- Network Centric Warfare
- Strategic Systems Studies and Analysis
Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/drl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=23
- Studies on entomological aspects and development of control measures.
- Integrated control measures for weeds and pests.
- Utilization of bio-diversity of NE India for vector borne diseases and other ailments.
- Monitoring of iron content in water and its removal.
- Water quality testing and surveillance.
- Mushroom production, vermicompost and organic farming for health and hygiene.
- Bio-diesal from Micro-algae.
- Consultancy, training and dissemination of expertise available in the laboratory
Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), http://www.drdo.com/labs/desidoc/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=24
- OPAC, Bibliographic database of books/reports/conference proceedings in Defence Science Library.
- SPIE/IEE/IEEE conference proceedings.
- Journal articles database Full text databases
- Newspaper clippings
- Defence Science Journal
- IEE/IEEE Contents
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/hemrl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=29
- Basic and applied research in all areas of high energy materials
- Formulation, design and development of propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics, polymeric materials, liners/insulators etc.
- Synthesis of new compounds of importance in the field of HEMs.
- Studies on physic-chemical and combustion characteristics of materials and development of new systems
Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/nmrl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=37
- Fuel Cell Power Pack Technology.
- Advanced Protection Technology in Marine Environment.
- Electrochemistry & Electrochemical Processes.
- Polymer and Elastomer Science and Technology including Stealth Material.
- Processing Technologies for Speciality Metallic and Non-metallic Materials.
- Chemical and Biological Control of Marine Environment.
Naval Physical Laboratory, http://www.drdo.com/labs/npol/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=38
- Analysis, Simulation & Modeling
- Sonar system design
- Advanced technologies for sonar systems
- Signal processing
- Embedded systems
Proof & Experimental Establishment, http://www.drdo.com/labs/pxe/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=40
- Design and developmental trials for guns, mortars, rockets, RCL, tank guns and their ammunition including Naval guns and ammunition.
- Technical evaluation trials for imported weapons and ammunition.
- Performance evaluation trials for tank armour and ammunition.
- R&A trials for compilation of Range Tables.
- Establishment of propellant standards, their periodical check firing, and comparative propellant ballistics.
- Proof of armour plates, tank turrets, ICVs, proximity fuzes, etc and also weapons and ammunition produced by Ordnance Factories/PSUs/trade firms.
- Ballistic parameters measurement.
- Periodical check proof of ammunition held in Army and Naval Depots
Institute of Technology Management (ITM), http://www.drdo.com/labs/itm/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=32
The focus of training at ITM is on imparting training on Techno-Managerial Skills to the participants with a view to enhance their competence and effectiveness in the execution of Product-Development projects. This is done through courses in the areas of Technology Management, Concurrent Engineering, Project Management, R&D Management, and Design-Quality Management.
Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), http://www.drdo.com/labs/irde/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=33
- Research, design and development in the fields of optical, electro-optical and optronic instrumentation for surveillance, reconnaissance, piloting, navigation, guidance, target identification and acquisition, weapon aiming, designation, ranging and counter measures under all weather conditions during day and night.
- Design and development of complete Fire Control Systems and devices.
- Design and development of Infra-Red Search & Track (IRST) Systems.
- Design and development of Stand Alone Surveillance Systems.
- Applied and background research and development in applied optics
Laser Science And Technology Centre, http://www.drdo.com/labs/lastec/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=35
- High Power Laser
- Photonics
- Laser Materials
Microwave Tube Research and Development Center, http://www.drdo.com/labs/mtrdc/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=36
- Computer-Aided Design Simulation of Microwave Tubes
- Development of Microwave Tubes for Radar Communication and other Applications
- Microwave Power Modules
Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), http://www.drdo.com/labs/rde/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=41
- Structural Engineering
- Kinematics
- Auxiliary Power Sources
- Manufacturing Technology
- Computer Aided Engineering
Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), http://www.drdo.com/labs/sag/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=43
- Advanced Mathematical and Statistical Analysis & Development of Tools
- Linguistics - Computational and Structural
- Speech Analysis - Recognition and Synthesis
- Simulation Studies
- Microprocessor-based Systems
- Signal Processing
- Satellite Communication
- High Performance Computing
Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), http://www.drdo.com/labs/sase/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=44
- Providing avalanche forecast warnings to the Army and civil population in the snowbound areas
- Providing technical advice and assistance to the Army and civil in dealing with avalanche, weather forecasting and snowfall
- Study and application of mountain weather forecasting system in conjunction with IMD and NCMRWF
- Conducting applied research in snow physics and mechanics, avalanche dynamics, avalanche formation and release mechanism to improve the accuracy of avalanche forecasting
- Development of techniques of slope stabilization
Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/sspl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=45
- GaAs based Microwave devices and circuits
- IR – devices
- Ferrite components
- SAW devices & sensors
- MEMs components
- Materials Development & Characterization
Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), http://www.drdo.com/labs/tbrl/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=46
- Performance of armour defeating projectiles and immunity profiles.
- Studies of ground shock, blast damage, fragmentation and lethality.
- Preparation of safety templates for various weapons.
- Studies of underwater detonics and pressure wave propagation
- Explosive forming, cladding and welding.
- Detonics of high explosives.
- Development, production, processing and characterisation of different high explosive compositions.
- Applied research in detonics
Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, http://www.drdo.com/labs/vrde/index.html?d=Search+DRDO+Website&select=47
- Automotive systems for wheeled & light tracked vehicles
- Specialist roles on automotive chassis and trailers
- Engines for unmanned aerial vehicles
- Electric / electronic systems and controllers for vehicles
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