DMRL Hyderabad Defence Material Technologies: India is trying to make more defence equipment instead of importing. A big step came from the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory in Hyderabad, which has shared key defence material technologies with Indian companies to help them make materials for warships and armoured vehicles.
This effort was led by DMRL, a research lab that works under the Defence Research and Development Organisation. DRDO is the main research agency of India’s Ministry of Defence and it develops modern technology for the armed forces.
With this technology transfer, Indian companies can now make high-strength steel and composite armour in India. These materials are used in naval ships and armoured vehicles.
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What DMRL Does for India’s Defence?
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory is one of the top DRDO labs in India. It is based in Hyderabad in the state of Telangana. The lab focuses on creating advanced metals alloys and other special materials needed for modern military systems.
These materials are used in many defence platforms including missiles tanks aircraft and naval ships. Over the years DMRL has helped India build many strategic defence systems by developing strong and reliable materials.
DMRL works directly under DRDO which handles research and development for India’s defence sector. Many technologies created inside DRDO labs are later shared with Indian companies so they can produce them on a large scale.
Sel-Reliance by Indian Industry
DMRL has recently shared several key technologies with Indian industrial partners so they can start manufacturing defence materials in bigger numbers. One of the technologies involves DMR 249A steel sheets that are between 3.15 mm and 10 mm thick. These steel sheets are used when building naval ships. The technology was given to Bokaro Steel Plant which is part of Steel Authority of India Limited and also to JSW Steel. The steel must meet strict structural and metallurgical standards because it is used in warships.
DMRL also shared the method to manufacture DMR 249A steel plates which are also used in naval vessels. These plates are very strong and can survive tough conditions at sea. The companies that received this technology include JSW Steel along with Bhilai Steel Plant and Rourkela Steel Plant which are both part of Steel Authority of India Limited.
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Another important technology transferred is DMR-1700 ultra high strength steel. The production method for forgings and plates made from this material was given to Saarloha Advanced Materials Pvt Ltd in Pune. This steel is known for very high strength strong fracture resistance and good performance at room temperature. Because of these qualities it can be used in advanced defence equipment and strategic military platforms.
DMRL has also transferred technology for lightweight composite armour used in Wheeled Armoured Platform vehicles. This special armour was given to NTB International Pvt Ltd in Pune. The armour system offers 100% indigenous technology and gives all round ballistic protection. It also meets international safety standards.
Technology Transfer Event
All these technology transfer agreements were officially handed over during the 62nd Annual Day celebration of DMRL. The event took place on 15 November 2025 in Hyderabad. During the event several licensing agreements called Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology were signed with industry partners.
Important officials were also present during the ceremony. These included Samir V. Kamat who is Secretary Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO. Another key official present was R. Balamuralikrishnan who is the Director of DMRL.
