What is the full form of DRDO

DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organization

DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organization. It is an agency of the Republic of India, responsible for the military's research and development. It was established in 1958 by the merger of the then Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organization (DSO). It is headquartered in New Delhi and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. As of Nov 2016, Dr. S Christopher is the Director General of DRDO and Dr. G.S. Reddy is the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister.

DRDO aims to make India prosperous by providing world-class science and technology base and to provide the country Defence Services decisive edge by providing competitive systems and solutions.

Mission

• To develop state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems, and allied equipment for our Defence Services.
• To provide technological solutions to the Defense Services to optimize combat effectiveness and promote the well-being of the troops.
• To develop infrastructure, quality manpower and strong indigenous technology base.

Today, it has more than 50 laboratories which are deeply involved in developing defence technologies including various disciplines like armaments, aeronautics, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, missiles, instrumentations, engineering systems, naval systems, etc. At present, the organization has more than 5000 scientists and around 25,000 other technical and supporting personnel.

Key Functions/ Activities

• Apprise and advise Raksha Mantri about the influence of emerging developments in Science and Technology on National Security.
• Render advice to Raksha Mantri and to the three services on all scientific aspects of weapons, weapon-platforms, military operations, etc.
• Formulate and execute programmes of scientific research and development in the relevant fields related to national security.
• Direct and administer the agencies, laboratories, facilities, ranges, projects and programmes of the Department.
• Participate in the acquisition and evaluation proceedings of all weapon systems and related technologies proposed to be acquired by the Ministry of Defence.
• Financial and other material assistance to institutions, universities etc for study and training of manpower on aspects of Science and Technology related to national security.