The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its advanced indigenous semiconductor technologies and emerging defence innovations at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from October 27 to 29.
As one of the key organisers of the conclave, DRDO led the thematic session on ‘Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips’, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in strategic electronics, advanced chip design and next-generation semiconductor technologies.
The conclave, themed ‘Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Society’, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and jointly organised by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
The DRDO-led session was chaired by Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems) Dr BK Das. It brought together experts from industry, academia, the indigenous chip-development ecosystem and defence electronics. A panel discussion explored emerging semiconductor technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based System-on-Chips (SoCs), intelligence at the silicon edge and developments in microprocessor technologies. Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Systems) Dr Sheena Rani was among the panellists.
A major highlight was DRDO’s display of indigenous Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) and Infrared Focal Plane Arrays (IRFPAs), developed by its Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi. These technologies are critical to India’s strategic defence applications, including advanced radar systems, electronic warfare and missile guidance.
The exhibition featured Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based MMICs, along with Multi-Chip Modules (MCMs), which serve as essential building blocks for advanced radar and electronic warfare systems.
DRDO also demonstrated IRFPAs, which function as the sensing elements or ‘eyes’ of tactical missiles. These technologies enable target detection and tracking during the terminal phase of flight through Imaging Infrared (IIR) seekers. The exhibits covered Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR), Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) technologies, underlining India’s indigenous expertise in advanced infrared sensing.
Other significant displays included scramjet engine technology, neuromorphic accelerators, advanced communication systems, Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs), Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), laser proximity sensors, quantum technology prototypes, extreme-cold-weather clothing, PRABALA female full-body protectors, passive and powered exoskeletons, and portable hybrid energy management systems.
The participation highlighted DRDO’s expanding role in supporting Indian industries and start-ups in developing advanced semiconductor solutions, accelerating next-generation chip design and strengthening critical indigenous technologies.
Semiconductors have emerged as a strategic pillar of national security, technological sovereignty and economic strength. Their applications extend from communication systems and advanced sensors to sophisticated defence platforms, where chip performance directly influences operational efficiency and reliability.
India’s ambition to become a globally competitive and self-reliant semiconductor powerhouse by 2047 requires capabilities across the entire value chain, including chip design, fabrication, testing, industrial-scale manufacturing and resilient supply chains.
DRDO’s specialised laboratories and semiconductor facilities, including SSPL, the Gallium Arsenide Enabling Technology Centre (GAETEC), Semiconductor Technology and Applied Research Centre (STARC) and Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), have developed expertise in GaAs, GaN, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and mature silicon process technologies.
The showcase at ESTIC 2026 underlined the growing importance of indigenous semiconductor development in strengthening India’s defence electronics ecosystem, reducing strategic technological dependencies and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
