Rajnath Singh unveils DFP-2026 to enhance accountability, timely execution of R&D projects

New Delhi: The government on Monday released a revised framework, 'Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO 2026' (DFP-2026), to facilitate faster production and induction of defence systems, platforms and technologies emerging from the research and development ecosystem.

The DFP-2026, unveiled here by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to significantly enhance functional empowerment at various levels within the Department of Defence R&D in the defence ministry, officials said.

The ministry in a statement said it is a "major reform" to enhance efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic R&D projects.


It will "facilitate faster production and induction of systems, platforms and technologies emerging from the R&D ecosystem, into the defence forces," Singh was quoted as saying in the statement.

He added that the new framework will foster stronger collaboration with the industry and academia, reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Singh further said the revised framework will contribute to enhanced self-reliance in defence technologies and strengthen the nation's defence preparedness.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) works under the Department of Defence Research & Development (DD R&D) of the defence ministry.

The revised framework addresses several critical requirements, including dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, tests and evaluation activities, and authorisation for sanctioning pre-project R&D initiatives.

The reform is aimed at clear segregation of financial powers for grants-in-aid pertaining to extramural research projects, defence innovation accelerator centres of excellence, and technology development fund projects under the respective schedules, the statement said.

Singh also said the revised framework will "accelerate" delivery of critical systems.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.