Rajnath Singh Launches DFP-2026 for DRDO

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026) in New Delhi on 29 June 2026. The framework applies to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Department of Defence R&D.

Delegation of Financial Powers

DFP-2026 is a financial and administrative framework for the Defence Research and Development Organisation. It expands functional and financial powers at different levels within the Department of Defence R&D.

Key Provisions of DFP-2026

The framework provides dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, testing and evaluation activities. It also authorises the sanction of pre-project R&D initiatives for the first time.

Research, Industry and Induction Framework

DFP-2026 separates financial powers for grants-in-aid across Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator–Centres of Excellence, and Technology Development Fund initiatives. It is linked with the production and induction of defence systems, platforms, and technologies developed by DRDO into the Armed Forces.

Important Facts for Exams

• DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• DFP-2026 was released in New Delhi on 29 June 2026.
• Extra-Mural Research Projects are one of the grant-in-aid categories mentioned in DFP-2026.
• Technology Development Fund is a recognised mechanism for defence technology development in India.

Officials Present at the Launch

Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani attended the launch event. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also attended the event, along with other secretaries from defence production and ex-servicemen welfare.