- Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defense technologies.
- DRDO was formed in 1958 with 10 laboratories. Over the years, it has grown multi-directionally regarding the variety of subject disciplines.
- Today, DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories that are deeply engaged in developing defense technologies covering various disciplines, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing, and simulation, special materials, naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems, and agriculture.
- In this article, iLovePhD presented the list of laboratories and centers functioning under DRDO with their area of research.
Details of Laboratories/centers of DRDO
| S. No. | Name of laboratories/centers | Area of research | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) | Energetic Materials | Nasik |
| 2. | Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG) | Computational Systems | Hyderabad |
| 3. | Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) | Missiles & Strategic Systems | Hyderabad |
| 4. | Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE) | Parachutes & Aerial Systems | Agra |
| 5. | Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) | Aeronautics | Bengaluru |
| 6. | Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) | Armaments | Pune |
| 7. | Centre for Air Borne System (CABS) | Air Borne Systems | Bengaluru |
| 8. | Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR) | Artificial Intelligence & Robotics | Bengaluru |
| 9. | Centre for Advanced Systems (CAS) | Integration of Strategic System | Hyderabad |
| 10. | Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) | Airworthiness & Certification | Bengaluru |
| 11. | Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) | Personnel Management | Delhi |
| 12. | Centre for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES) | Fire, Explosives & Environmental Safety | Delhi |
| 13. | Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) | Directed Energy Weapons | Hyderabad |
| 14. | Centre for Millimeter Wave Semiconductor Devices & Systems (CMSDS) | Millimeter Wave Semiconductor Devices | Kolkata |
| 15. | Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) | Combat Vehicles | Avadi |
| 16. | Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) | Avionics | Bengaluru |
| 17. | Defence Bio-engineering & Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) | Bio-engineering | Bengaluru |
| 18. | Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL) | Electronics & Communication Systems | Dehradun |
| 19. | Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC) | Information Systems | Delhi |
| 20. | Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) | Food Research | Mysore |
| 21. | Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER) | Bio-Energy Research | Haldwani |
| 22. | DRDO Integration Centre (DIC) | Integration of Strategic System | Panagarh |
| 23. | Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) | High Altitude Agro-animal Research | Leh |
| 24. | Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Science (DIPAS) | Physiology | Delhi |
| 25. | Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) | Psychological Research | Delhi |
| 26. | Defence Laboratory (DL) | Camouflaging and Isotopes | Jodhpur |
| 27. | Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) | Electronic Warfare | Hyderabad |
| 28. | Defence Materials & Stores R&D Establishment (DMSRDE) | Textile, Polymers & Composites | Kanpur |
| 29. | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) | Polymers and Composites | Hyderabad |
| 30. | Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE) | Chemical & Biological Warfare | Gwalior |
| 31. | Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) | Missiles & Strategic Systems | Hyderabad |
| 32. | Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) | Health & Hygiene | Tezpur |
| 33. | Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL) | Terrain Research | Delhi |
| 34. | Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) | Gas Turbine | Bengaluru |
| 35. | High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) | High Energy Materials | Pune |
| 36. | Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS) | Nuclear Medicines | Delhi |
| 37 | Institute of Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA) | System Analysis | Delhi |
| 38. | Institute of Technology Management (ITM) | Technology Management | Mussoorie |
| 39 | Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) | Electronics & Optical Systems | Dehradun |
| 40. | Integrated Test Range (ITR) | Missiles & Strategic Systems | Balasore |
| 41. | Joint Cypher Bureau (JCB) | Cypher System | Delhi |
| 42. | Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC) | Laser Technology | Delhi |
| 43. | Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) | Radar | Bengaluru |
| 44. | Military Institute of Training (MILIT) | Military Training | Pune |
| 45. | Mobile Systems Complex (MSC) | Missile | Pune |
| 46. | Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre (MTRDC) | Microwave Tube | Bengaluru |
| 47. | Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) | Corrosion Preventive Technology | Ambernath |
| 48. | Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) | Naval Systems | Cochin |
| 49. | Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) | Underwater Weapons | Visakhapatnam |
| 50. | Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) | Armaments Testing | Balasore |
| 51. | Recruitment and Assessment Center (RAC) | Human Resource | Delhi |
| 52. | Research Centre Imarat (RCI) | Missiles & Strategic Systems | Hyderabad |
| 53. | Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) [R&D (Engrs)] | Engineering Systems & Weapon Platforms | Pune |
| 54. | DRDO Research & Innovation Centre (RIC) | Accreditation Projects | Chennai |
| 55. | Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) | Cryptology | Delhi |
| 56. | Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) | Snow and Avalanche | Manali |
| 57. | SF Complex (SFC) | Propellant | Jagdalpur |
| 58. | Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) | Solid State/ Semiconductor Materials | Delhi |
| 59. | Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) | Terminal Ballistics | Chandigarh |
| 60. | Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) | Wheeled Vehicles | Ahmednagar |
List of Laboratories and Centers Under DRDO
- The Missile Maverick: DRDO Missile Complex, Hyderabad
Ever wondered where India’s formidable missile arsenal comes from? Look no further than the DRDO Missile Complex in Hyderabad. This powerhouse is responsible for developing game-changing missiles like Agni, Prithvi, and BrahMos. With state-of-the-art facilities and brilliant minds at work, it’s no wonder India’s missile program is making waves globally.
FAQ: How many missiles has the DRDO Missile Complex developed? Answer: The complex has successfully developed over 50 missile systems, ranging from short-range tactical missiles to intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Soaring High: Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru
Dreams of flight come alive at the ADE in Bengaluru. This lab is the birthplace of India’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and light combat aircraft. From the Tejas fighter jet to the Nishant UAV, ADE is propelling India into the future of aerospace technology.
- Naval Ninjutsu: Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam
Dive into the depths of naval warfare at NSTL. This lab is the brains behind India’s torpedo technology, underwater sensors, and naval mines. It’s like a James Bond gadget lab, but for ships and submarines!
- Electronic Wizardry: Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bengaluru
In the age of electronic warfare, LRDE is India’s secret weapon. Developing advanced radar systems and electronic countermeasures, this lab ensures our forces always have the upper hand in the electromagnetic spectrum.
- The Human Factor: Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Delhi
Ever thought about how soldiers survive in extreme conditions? DIPAS has got it covered! This lab focuses on enhancing human performance in challenging military environments, from high-altitude physiology to combat stress management.
FAQ: What’s the most interesting research conducted at DIPAS? Answer: DIPAS has developed nutrient-rich food bars that can sustain soldiers in extreme conditions for up to 7 days!
- Chemical Guardians: Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior
In a world where chemical and biological threats loom large, DRDE stands as a silent sentinel. This lab develops protective equipment, detection systems, and medical countermeasures against CB warfare agents.
- Material World: Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur
From bulletproof vests to stealth coatings, DMSRDE is where the magic of materials science happens. This lab is constantly pushing the envelope in developing advanced materials for defense applications.
- AI Meets Defense: Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru
Welcome to the future! CAIR is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into defense systems. Autonomous vehicles, intelligent decision support systems – you name it, CAIR is working on it.
- Firepower Central: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune
Bang! Boom! ARDE is where the action is. This lab develops everything from small arms to artillery systems, ensuring India’s forces have the firepower they need.
- Futuristic Warfare: Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune
Last but not least, DIAT is DRDO’s think tank and training ground. This institute nurtures the next generation of defense scientists and engineers, shaping the future of warfare technology.
FAQ: How can one join DRDO as a scientist?
Answer: DRDO recruits scientists through various channels, including the DRDO Entry Test for fresh graduates and lateral entry for experienced professionals.
Conclusion:
There you have it – a whirlwind tour of 10 incredible DRDO labs and research centers that are the backbone of India’s defense innovation. From missiles that can cross continents to AI systems that outsmart adversaries, these facilities are working round the clock to keep India at the forefront of military technology.
The next time you hear about India’s latest defense breakthrough, remember the brilliant minds in these labs who made it possible. They’re the real superheroes, armed with lab coats and test tubes instead of capes and shields.
So, what do you think? Isn’t it amazing how much goes on behind the scenes to keep our nation safe? Share this article with your friends and family – let’s spread the word about India’s incredible defense innovation journey!
Hope, this article will help you to find the List of Laboratories and Centers Under DRDO
