---
title: "DRDO: India's Defence R&D Organisation | Model Diplomat"
description: "DRDO, India's top military R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence, plays a crucial role in developing advanced defense technologies and systems."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/drdo-defence-research-development-organisation"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Defence Research and Development Organisation is India's apex agency for military research and development, functioning under the Department of Defence R\&D within the Ministry of Defence.
- What is the difference between DRDO and a DPSU like HAL?
- Who heads DRDO and to whom does it report?
- What were the findings of the 2023 DRDO restructuring committee?
- Which major missile programmes did DRDO develop?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Defence Research and Development Organisation is India's apex agency for military research and development, functioning under the Department of Defence R\&D within the Ministry of Defence.

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In March 2024 DRDO and the Indian Air Force conducted Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of the Agni-V missile fitted with Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

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