Navin Fluorine International Ltd. entered into a strategic partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop indigenous manufacturing technology for sodium borohydride, a critical chemical used in defence applications. The collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence chemicals under the Government’s Make in India initiative.
DRDO Awards Project Under Technology Development Fund
As part of the collaboration, DRDO awarded Navin Fluorine a project under its Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme to develop the indigenous bulk manufacturing technology for sodium borohydride. The project aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports by establishing domestic production capabilities for this strategically important defence chemical. In addition, DRDO will provide both grant-in-aid funding and technical support to help the company successfully develop and commercialise the technology.
Boosting India’s Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem
Sodium borohydride is a vital chemical with applications in defence and other strategic sectors. By developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities, the project will enhance supply chain security, strengthen domestic manufacturing and support India’s long-term defence preparedness. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of promoting indigenous technologies and building a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Navin Fluorine Reaffirms Commitment to ‘Make in India’
On the collaboration, Navin Fluorine said, “We take immense pride in our collaboration with DRDO – Ministry of Defence and in contributing towards the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.” DRDO stated, “Strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme has awarded a project on ‘Indigenous Manufacturing of Sodium Borohydride Chemical in Bulk’ to M/s Navin Fluorine International Limited. DRDO will provide grant-in-aid and technological support to the industry for developing this technology.”
Advancing Self-Reliance in Strategic Chemicals
The partnership between Navin Fluorine and DRDO underscores India’s growing focus on developing critical defence chemicals through indigenous innovation. As reported by financialexpress.com, once successfully implemented, the project is expected to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, reduce import dependence and contribute to the nation’s strategic and technological self-reliance.
