Defence Research and Development Organisation: how it was formed and what it does
Background
DRDO works under the Department of Defence Research and Development of the Ministry of Defence.
It was formed in 1958 by amalgamating the Technical Development Establishments of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organisation.
It began with 10 establishments or laboratories and is now a network of around 41 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories.
Its indigenous systems include the Agni and Prithvi missiles, the Tejas light combat aircraft, the Pinaka rocket launcher and the Akash air defence system.
Its guiding line is "Balasya Mulam Vigyanam", meaning the source of strength is science.
Parent department:
Department of Defence Research and Development, Ministry of Defence
Merged into DRDO:
Technical Development Establishments, Directorate of Technical Development and Production and Defence Science Organisation
Motto:
Balasya Mulam Vigyanam
Laboratories:
Around 41, plus 5 Young Scientist Laboratories
Why it matters for exams: DRDO's parent department, origin and flagship systems are common in defence and science-and-technology sections.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC