DRDO and MIDHANI Sign MoU to Develop Special Steel for Advanced Aircraft
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and public sector enterprise MIDHANI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a high-strength, high-toughness special grade steel for aeronautical applications. The new steel, named MDN100, will play a crucial role in the development of advanced aircraft, including the much-anticipated fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The MoU was formalised at the recently concluded Aero India 2025, a prestigious event where India’s defence and aerospace industries showcased their latest innovations. This collaboration between DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and MIDHANI is part of a broader push towards India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, with a specific focus on reducing reliance on foreign materials and technologies in the defence sector.
MDN100, the steel being developed under this agreement, is set to play a pivotal role in the construction of aircraft components that are subjected to extremely high stress. The steel’s excellent forgeability makes it ideal for use in critical components of the AMCA and other advanced aircraft, where weight reduction is paramount. The lightweight yet durable steel offers significant advantages in terms of performance, helping to enhance the operational efficiency of aircraft while maintaining their structural integrity. DRDO’s ADA, which is responsible for the development of India’s combat aircraft, is leading the AMCA project, a programme expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities. Along with the AMCA, ADA is also overseeing other major programmes, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 and the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy.
MIDHANI, a key player in India’s defence manufacturing sector, has long been a supplier of critical materials for DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in various aeronautical projects. In addition to the MDN100, MIDHANI also showcased its SuperNi 41 plates at the Aero India event. This nickel-chromium-based superalloy is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and is expected to be used in the high-performance aero engines of the future. This collaboration between DRDO and MIDHANI is not just about advancing technology for India’s armed forces; it is a step towards making India a global leader in defence manufacturing. With the successful development and production of MDN100, India will be able to meet the material requirements for high-performance aircraft entirely within its borders, a critical component of the country’s self-reliance goals.
The partnership is an important milestone in India’s defence sector, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to indigenisation and innovation. With both organisations pooling their expertise, the MoU is expected to lay the foundation for a new era of defence manufacturing in India, one that is built on advanced technology, skilled craftsmanship, and a commitment to reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. As India continues to develop its aerospace capabilities, the development of MDN100 will serve as a vital step in ensuring that the country remains at the cutting edge of defence technology. This MoU is not only a victory for India’s aerospace industry but also a testament to the growing potential of the nation’s defence sector as a whole. In the years to come, as projects like the AMCA and LCA Mk2 move forward, the collaboration between DRDO and MIDHANI will undoubtedly contribute to India’s defence self-sufficiency, while also fostering greater innovation and industrial growth.
