On June 29, 2025, the Indian Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence), Shri Sanjay Seth, conducted an official visit to the Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
During the high-level visit, Shri Sanjay Seth addressed senior scientists, researchers, and staff at DMSRDE, acknowledging the laboratory’s substantial contributions to national defense preparedness through the development of indigenous technology. He particularly commended the successful deployment of DRDO-engineered solutions during Operation Sindoor, reflecting the operational efficacy and strategic self-reliance fostered by India’s domestic defense research infrastructure.
Recognizing DMSRDE’s Contributions to Indigenous Defense Systems
In his keynote address, the Raksha Rajya Mantri highlighted several key breakthroughs developed by DMSRDE that have significantly augmented India’s tactical capabilities. Among the notable innovations was the Level-6 Bullet Proof Jacket, designed for enhanced ballistic protection in combat zones. These jackets meet stringent standards for survivability and operational mobility and are instrumental for frontline personnel of the Indian Armed Forces.
Further recognition was extended to the lab’s formulation of Naphthyl Based Fuel used in the BrahMos Missile System—a supersonic cruise missile co-developed by India and Russia. This fuel enhances energy density and combustion efficiency, enabling higher performance in long-range precision strike operations.
DMSRDE’s portfolio of innovations also includes:
- High-Pressure Polymeric Membranes for Indian Coast Guard vessels, ensuring superior endurance in marine environments
- Silicon Carbide Fibres for aerospace-grade thermal and structural applications
- Activated Carbon Fabric-based CBRN Suits for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense
- Stealth and Camouflage Materials, designed to reduce radar and infrared signatures across combat platforms
These advancements align with the Indian Ministry of Defence’s broader commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, an initiative aimed at indigenizing key components of the military-industrial complex.
Leading Technology Transfers and Public-Private Collaboration
Shri Sanjay Seth lauded DMSRDE for leading in Technology Transfer Agreements (ToTs) over the past two fiscal years. The lab achieved the highest number of successful ToTs among all DRDO establishments, facilitating the commercialization of military-grade innovations across Indian defense manufacturers. This strategy directly supports Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s national vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of synergy between government R&D bodies, private sector industries, and academic institutions to accelerate innovation cycles and bridge the gap between concept and deployment. DMSRDE’s approach exemplifies the growing role of civil-military fusion in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Exhibition of Technological Innovations
As part of the visit, Shri Seth toured an extensive exhibition showcasing DMSRDE’s latest materials, products, and dual-use technologies. The display included developments in:
- Advanced Ceramics and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) used in high-temperature propulsion systems
- Stealth Coatings and Radar-Absorbent Materials (RAM) for aerial and naval platforms
- Technical Textiles and Ballistic Fabrics for protection
- Nanomaterials, Polymers, and Fuel Additives enhancing performance across various defense platforms
These technologies hold cross-sectoral potential and reinforce the lab’s position as a leading contributor to India’s domestic defense R&D capabilities.
Shri Seth was welcomed to the facility by Dr. R.V. Hara Prasad, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO. The formal proceedings included a comprehensive presentation by the Director of DMSRDE, outlining the lab’s strategic charter, vision, ongoing projects, and future research directions.
Paying Tribute and Promoting Sustainability
In a solemn gesture, Raksha Rajya Mantri paid tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India and an iconic aerospace scientist, at his memorial statue within the DMSRDE campus. The visit concluded with a tree plantation ceremony, symbolizing the lab’s commitment to environmental sustainability alongside national security.
DMSRDE continues to play a pivotal role in equipping India’s Armed Forces with indigenous and next-generation materials, directly supporting combat readiness and operational autonomy. As India advances toward its goal of becoming a global defense manufacturing hub, laboratories like DMSRDE remain at the forefront of that transformation.
