India's premier defence research body, and the major indigenous technology programmes it runs.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, was formed in 1958 with a mission to make India self-reliant in critical defence technologies, reducing dependence on imports — a goal now aligned with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) push in defence manufacturing.
DRDO's portfolio spans missile systems (the Agni and Prithvi series, and BrahMos — a joint India-Russia supersonic cruise missile), the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), air defence systems, and the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme. It operates through a network of laboratories across the country, each specialising in a distinct technology domain (materials, electronics, aeronautics, life sciences).
APPSC tests DRDO's formation year, its relationship to the Ministry of Defence, and flagship programme names (Tejas, BrahMos, Agni) — a natural companion to the Space Technology & ISRO page, since both agencies represent India's strategic self-reliance in technology.
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