Defence Laboratory

Defence Laboratory

Established	16 May 1959 (1959-05-16)
Research type	Applied
Field of research	Materials and electronics
Director	Shri RV Haraprasad
Location	Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India 26°16′18″N 73°2′16″E
ZIP code	342011
Operating agency	DRDO Ministry of Defence

Defence Laboratory, located in Jodhpur, is a strategically important laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Previously located in Ratanada Palace (now a DRTC training centre), it was moved to the New Technical Complex. It is responsible for the development and manufacture of electronics and materials required for modern warfare and weapon systems. Its main research fields are materials and electronics. Its mission is development of radio communication systems, data links, satellite communication systems, millimeter wave communication systems.

The Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur has developed several nuclear radiation monitoring systems, indigenous CHAFF Technology and camouflage techniques for the Armed Forces of India.

Industry collaboration

Defence Laboratory supported Economic Explosives Limited in setting up an advanced technology plant that would reduce reliance on imports while producing 118 mm, 50 mm, and 26 mm Chaff payloads for Dassault Mirage 2000, Mikoyan MiG-29, SEPECAT Jaguar, and all helicopters in use by the armed forces. On 4 August 2024, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, officially opened the manufacturing plant.

Technology transfers

In 2024, DRDO transferred the technology for the Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC), which was developed by Defence Laboratory, to the Indian Navy. The MOC conceals radar signals and generates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, which reduces detection by radars.