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Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, hypersonics and autonomous systems will define the future of warfare, and India is repositioning its defence research ecosystem to stay ahead of this disruptive curve, says Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO.
In an interaction with Raksha Sutra, Ministry of Defence, he said, “AI, machine learning, quantum technologies, cognitive systems and photonics are having a disproportionate impact on the modern battlefield. Adding that the pace of technological change has compressed dramatically. “Today, technologies become obsolete within five years. You have to keep running just to stay in the same place.”
Young Scientists, Startups and Speed
To counter this rapid churn, DRDO has restructured its innovation model around young scientists, academia and startups.
“We have established Young Scientist Laboratories where everyone, including the director, is below 35 years of age. Younger teams are more agile, more innovative and willing to experiment,” Kamat said, noting that these labs are tightly linked with universities and startups working on frontier technologies.
He added that DRDO deliberately balances its effort across immediate military requirements, long-term futuristic research and innovative use of existing technologies to ensure operational relevance while preparing for tomorrow’s wars.
Hypersonics and Quantum: Strategic Game Changers
Among DRDO’s most consequential breakthroughs, he highlighted the ground demonstration of a scramjet engine for nearly 1,000 seconds, calling it a global first.
“This milestone provides the core technologies required for hypersonic cruise missiles,” he said, describing hypersonic as a critical capability for future deterrence.
Equally transformative is DRDO’s work in quantum communication. “Our successful demonstration of free-space quantum communication using entanglement marks a foundational step towards ultra-secure defence networks.”
Unmanned Warfare and Counter-Drone Focus
With unmanned platforms reshaping conflicts worldwide, DRDO expects the next 10–15 years to be dominated by autonomous systems.
“While industry has developed strong capabilities in smaller drones, DRDO is focusing on high-altitude long-endurance UAVs and unmanned combat aerial vehicles,” he said, stressing that counter-drone systems will be as critical as drone capabilities themselves.
2026: A Crucial Inflection Point
Looking ahead, he described 2026 as a defining year for indigenous defence capability.
“The first flight of the LCA Mk-2, user trials of the light tank developed with Larsen & Toubro, and induction of missile systems like PRALAY will mark major milestones,” he said.
He added that several systems already under production would begin induction, reflecting the maturity of India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.
Industry Partnerships Without Bias
Rejecting distinctions between public and private players, according to him, DRDO selects partners purely on technical competence and cost competitiveness.
“Smaller startups are nimble and risk-taking, while larger companies provide structure for complex systems. Both are essential,” he noted, adding that some of the most innovative work is emerging in cyber and command-and-control domains.
Nation-Building Through Technology
He urged India’s youth to contribute to national transformation.
Huma Siddiqui
