Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, 29 June 2026, released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO 2026, a revised framework aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and timely execution of strategic research and development projects.
The new framework, known as DFP-2026, has been introduced to enhance functional empowerment at different levels within the Department of Defence Research and Development.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the revised financial powers are expected to support faster production and induction of systems, platforms and technologies developed through the defence R&D ecosystem into the armed forces.
Singh said the DFP-2026 will facilitate faster production and induction of systems, platforms & technologies emerging from the R&D ecosystem into the Defence Forces.
The Defence Minister said the framework will also strengthen collaboration with industry and academia, while supporting the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in the defence sector.
Rajnath Singh further said DFP-2026 will contribute to enhanced self-reliance in defence technologies and strengthen the country’s defence preparedness.
The Ministry said the revised framework addresses several key requirements within DRDO’s financial approval system.
Read also : Indian Coast Guard commissions ICGS Akshay in Goa, strengthens fleet with indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel
These include dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, tests and evaluation activities.
DFP-2026 also provides authorisation for sanctioning pre-project R&D initiatives.
The framework further creates a clear segregation of financial powers for grants-in-aid linked to Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence, and Technology Development Fund projects under their respective schedules.
The release of DFP-2026 was held in New Delhi in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi and Controller General of Defence Accounts Anugraha Narayana Das.
Senior DRDO and defence ministry officials were also present, including DG (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO, RV Hara Prasad; DG (Resources & Management) Dr Ravindra Singh; Additional Financial Advisor and Joint Secretary Ajeet Kumar Srivastava; and Director, Directorate of Finance & Material Management, Dr Maiya Din.
Read also : Defence Ministry counters social media claims over Rajnath Singh’s Operation Sindoor remarks in Parliament
