close

COVER STORY

COVER STORYDefence Industry & TechnologyDRDO

Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO 2026

by Editor on
Financial Powers
  • Raksha Mantri unveils major reform to enhance efficiency, accountability & timely execution of strategic R&D projects.
  • Revised framework will accelerate delivery of critical systems and foster stronger collaboration with industry & academia, says Raksha Mantri
  • DFP-2026 will reinforce Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision & strengthen defence preparedness.

New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on June 29, 2026, released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), a major reform to enhance efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic R&D projects. The DFP-2026 will facilitate faster production and induction of systems, platforms & technologies emerging from the R&D ecosystem into the Defence Forces, stated Raksha Mantri, adding that the new framework will foster stronger collaboration with the industry and academia, reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He furthered that the revised framework will contribute to enhanced self-reliance in defence technologies and strengthen the nation’s defence preparedness.

The DFP-2026 aims to significantly enhance functional empowerment at various levels within the Department of Defence R&D. The revised framework addresses several critical requirements, including dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, tests and evaluation activities, authorisation for sanctioning pre-project R&D initiatives, and clear segregation of financial powers for grants-in-aid pertaining to Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence, and Technology Development Fund projects under the respective schedules.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani; Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh; Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar; Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Smt Sukriti Likhi; Controller General of Defence Accounts Shri Anugraha Narayana Das; DG (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO Shri RV Hara Prasad; DG (Resources & Management) Dr Ravindra Singh; Additional Financial Advisor & JS Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava; Director, Directorate of Finance & Material Management Dr Maiya Din and other senior officials were present during the event in New Delhi.

read more
ArmyCOVER STORYMILITARY

Indian Army Departs for Khaan Quest Exercise

by Editor on
Exercise KHAAN QUEST

New Delhi: The Indian Army contingent is set to depart today to participate in the multilateral joint military exercise – Exercise KHAAN QUEST. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 20 June to 03 July 2026 at Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Exercise will bring together military forces from across the world to collaborate and enhance interoperability in peace support operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted from 14-28 June 2025 at Mongolia.

The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Defence Forces in the year 2003. Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards the exercise graduated to a Multilateral Peacekeeping Exercise with current one being the 23nd iteration. The participation by an Indian contingent reflects India’s steadfast commitment to global peace and strategic partnership with Mongolia.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented by troops from a Battalion of the JAT REGIMENT along with personnel from other Arms and Services.

The aim of Exercise KHAAN QUEST is to prepare contingents of participating Defence Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multilateral environment.

The exercise will focus on conduct of joint planning and tactical drills such as establishment of static and mobile check points, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile area, counter improvised explosive device drills, combat first aid and casualty evacuation.

Exercise KHAAN QUEST will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conduct of joint operations. The exercise will facilitate operational readiness, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries.

read more