DRDO New Technologies: India’s defence side is changing fast, and DRDO is at the center of it. The organisation is working on many new systems at the same time. These include missile propulsion, smart weapons, military supply tools, armoured vehicle tech, air defence, and support systems for the Gaganyaan space mission. The big idea is simple. India wants more of its own defence technology and less dependence on outside countries.
Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS)
One major DRDO tool is the Rail Track Rocket Sled, or RTRS. It is a fast testing setup used for defence trials. Rockets push the sled on rail tracks at very high speed. DRDO uses it to check impact, vibration, and safety performance at speeds above 1,000 kmph. It helps test missiles, aircraft parts, ejection seats, parachute systems, armoured gear, and even Gaganyaan escape and parachute systems. DRDO’s own updates also say the RTRS facility at TBRL in Chandigarh was used for a Gaganyaan drogue parachute qualification test in 2026.
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Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)
Another big area is the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet, or SFDR. DRDO reported a successful SFDR demonstration on 3 February 2026 from Chandipur in Odisha. The point of this technology is to give missiles strong and steady thrust for longer parts of the flight. That can help future missiles go farther and keep speed better than many normal rocket motors. DRDO and related reports say this work is a key step for future air-to-air and surface-to-air missile systems.
Air Droppable Container
The Air Droppable Container, or ADC-150, is another useful DRDO system. It is made for the Indian Armed Forces and is still being tested and refined. It can be dropped from aircraft with parachutes. That makes it useful for taking food, medicines, ammo, communication gear, and other needed items to mountain posts, remote spots, and disaster areas. DRDO and the Indian Navy carried out in-flight release trials of the indigenous ADC-150 from a P8I aircraft on 10 March 2026. A DRDO photo gallery also showed ADC-150 release trials in April 2026.
Armoured Protection
DRDO is also building better armoured platform technology. These are vehicle features that help protect soldiers and improve battlefield use. DRDO’s export compendium describes armoured platforms such as WhAP with ballistic armour, mine protection, and a strong mobility setup. That matches the wider DRDO push for more protection, better movement, and modern sensor use in armoured vehicles.
Ultra Light Precision Guided Missile
The Ultra Light Precision Guided Missile, or ULPGM, is made for small launch platforms like helicopters, drones, and light combat vehicles. DRDO’s recent updates show ULPGM is still moving ahead, and in May 2026 the ULPGM-V3 reached final development trials before user trials. Earlier DRDO documents also show the weapon family is meant for precision hits on tanks, bunkers, and other hard targets. Its fire-and-forget nature makes it easier to use with less operator effort.
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Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD)
The Very Short Range Air Defence System, or VSHORAD, has also moved forward. DRDO said it completed flight trials on 27 February 2026. This system is meant to stop low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. It uses an advanced infrared seeker and is designed for quick reaction. That makes it important for border areas and front-line units where drone threats are growing.
