DRDO ready to compete with foreign companies: DG

Kolkata: In the wake of the FDI reforms in defence sector, the government-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today said it was not only ready to compete with foreign companies but also to export its products.

The government had on Monday announced opening up the defence sector by allowing foreign companies to own up to 100 per cent equity.

“Someday there may be a possibility that a big company with a 100 per cent FDI may come with their technology and may be a competition to us. And we are rearing to go for competition,” Director General, DRDO, S Christopher told reporters here.

The DRDO, functioning under the Ministry of Defence, undertakes design and development of products and technologies to suit the requirement of the three wings of the Indian armed forces.

On the government’s thrust on ‘Make in India’, the Christopher said it was a bonanza as far as DRDO was concerned.

“DRDO technology is made in India. It is a huge boost,” he said, adding they have even asked the government several times for exporting DRDO products.

“In case if I am not up to your level, there are several other countries which are poorer and they are willing to have the product we have,” the DRDO chief said, adding they can export products which have suffered because of environmental conditions. .