DRDO Showcases Indigenous Chips at ESTIC 2026
Why in News?
- DRDO led a session on semiconductors and next-generation chips at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave, ESTIC 2026, in New Delhi, DD News reported on 30 October 2026.
- The conclave was held at Bharat Mandapam from 27 to 29 October and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- DRDO showed indigenous chips for radar, electronic warfare and missile seekers.
Key Terminologies
- Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC)
- A small chip that handles microwave signals in radar, communication and electronic warfare systems. DRDO showed GaAs and GaN-based MMICs.
- Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)
- Compound semiconductors used in high-power and high-frequency devices. They are used in radars and strategic systems because they handle heat and power better than ordinary silicon in some uses.
- Infrared Focal Plane Array (IRFPA)
- A sensor chip that detects infrared radiation. DRDO showed IRFPAs for tactical missile seekers in short-wave, mid-wave and long-wave bands.
- System-on-Chip (SoC)
- A single chip that combines processors, memory and other parts. The session covered purpose-built AI SoCs and intelligence at the silicon edge.
- ESTIC
- The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave, organised by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser, with the theme Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Society.
Key Issues
- Strategic Dependence: Advanced chips for radars, missile seekers and electronic warfare are sensitive, and dependence on imports can affect defence preparedness. DRDO's work on MMICs and IRFPAs is aimed at reducing this.
- Narrow Process Base: The labs named, SSPL, GAETEC, STARC and the Semiconductor Laboratory, have expertise in GaAs, GaN, MEMS and mature silicon processes. The article does not describe leading-edge silicon manufacturing, so the gap with advanced global nodes remains.
- Transfer to Industry: The session covered DRDO's role in helping industry and start-ups to develop chip solutions. Moving laboratory technology into commercial production is a known challenge.
- Design to Production: Showing prototypes, such as neuromorphic accelerators, quantum random number generators and photonic integrated circuits, does not by itself mean that production at scale has begun.
- Missing Details: The article gives no production volumes, costs or timelines, so the pace of deployment cannot be judged.
Key Implications
Positive/Pros/Merits
- Sovereign Capability: The article links self-reliance in chips to national sovereignty, economic strength and digital security, and to the aim of becoming a globally competitive semiconductor power by 2047.
- Defence Use: GaAs and GaN MMICs and Multi-Chip Modules are used in strategic missions and support radar and electronic warfare systems, and IRFPAs act as sensors in tactical missile seekers.
- Wider Portfolio: DRDO also showed neuromorphic accelerators, quantum random number generators, photonic integrated circuits and laser proximity sensors.
- Industry Support: DRDO said it helps industry and start-ups to develop chip solutions and strengthen core technologies.
Negative/Cons/Demerits
- Limited Public Detail: The report is based on a ministry release and does not give independent assessment of performance or readiness.
- Scale Gap: Laboratory-scale compound semiconductor work differs from high-volume commercial fabrication, which needs large investment.
- Talent and Supply Chain: Chip making depends on materials, equipment and skilled people, which India still has to build up.
- Coordination: Several labs and ministries are involved, which can slow the transfer of technology unless roles are clear.
Key Initiatives
- ESTIC 2026: Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 27 to 29 October 2026 and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was organised by 12 ministries and departments.
- DRDO Session: Dr BK Das, Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems, chaired the session on Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips, and Dr Sheena Rani was a panellist.
- Exhibits: The Solid State Physics Laboratory in Delhi showed MMICs and IRFPAs, along with neuromorphic accelerators and photonic integrated circuits.
- DRDO Labs: SSPL, GAETEC, STARC and the Semiconductor Laboratory have built expertise in GaAs, GaN, MEMS and mature silicon process technologies.
- Policy Vision: The Government links self-reliance in semiconductors to Viksit Bharat 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The Government says the aim is for India to become a globally competitive semiconductor power by 2047. The report describes exhibits and sessions at a conclave and not production milestones, so candidates should treat the information as a snapshot of capability.
Director's Perspective
Way Forward
- Move DRDO chip designs to industry through licences and joint production, so that lab work reaches the field.
- Invest in compound semiconductor fabrication, materials and test facilities.
- Train engineers in chip design, packaging and process technology.
- Publish timelines and targets for defence chips, to show progress.
- Link defence chip programmes with civil uses such as 5G, power electronics and sensors.
DRDO's display at ESTIC 2026 shows depth in compound semiconductors and sensors for defence, from MMICs to infrared arrays. It supports the aim of self-reliance but does not yet show production at scale, and the report gives no volumes or timelines. In a Mains answer, link chips to strategic autonomy, explain the role of GaN, GaAs and IR sensors in defence systems, and recommend industry transfer, skills and sustained funding.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What did DRDO show at ESTIC 2026?
DRDO led a session on semiconductors and next-generation chips and showed GaAs and GaN-based MMICs and infrared focal plane arrays from the Solid State Physics Laboratory in Delhi. It also displayed neuromorphic accelerators, quantum random number generators, photonic integrated circuits and laser proximity sensors.
What is a Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit?
An MMIC is a small chip that processes microwave signals and is used in radars, communication links and electronic warfare systems. DRDO showed GaAs and GaN-based MMICs and multi-chip modules that are used in strategic missions, as reported by DD News on 30 October 2026.
What is ESTIC?
ESTIC is the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 27 to 29 October 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it, and 12 ministries and departments organised it under the Principal Scientific Adviser, with the theme Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Society.
Why are indigenous semiconductors important for defence?
Radars, missile seekers and electronic warfare systems depend on special chips, and relying on imports can affect security and supply. Indigenous design and production of chips such as MMICs and infrared sensors supports sovereignty, and the Government links it with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 Infrared focal plane arrays act as sensors in tactical missile seekers.
DRDO showed IRFPAs covering short-wave, mid-wave and long-wave bands at ESTIC 2026.
2 Gallium Nitride is a compound semiconductor.
GaN-based MMICs are used in radar and electronic warfare systems.
3 ESTIC 2026 was organised by the Reserve Bank of India.
It was organised by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser.