NIBE to Build 46-Meter Modular Bridges Under DRDO Technology Transfer

NIBE Limited, a company better known for its work in electronic components and fabrication materials, has taken a bold step into India’s growing defense sector. The firm recently signed a landmark technology transfer agreement with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), specifically with the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Pune. This collaboration will allow NIBE to manufacture modular bridging systems—highly advanced structures designed to support military vehicles over rough terrain and water obstacles.

The agreement is valued at Rs 3.76 crore, which NIBE will pay in installments over the next ten years. In return, DRDO will grant the company full rights to use its specialized technology to produce bridges ranging from 14 to 46 meters in length. These aren’t ordinary bridges—they are complex, mechanical systems that can be launched rapidly in field conditions to help armored and wheeled military vehicles cross gaps, rivers, or broken roads during critical missions.

The modular bridges will be manufactured not only for the Indian Army but also for various central and state government agencies. DRDO will provide NIBE with all the technical blueprints, design support, and testing methods required for the product’s successful development. The company aims to bring these products to market within 24 months.

This marks a major strategic shift for NIBE, which has largely been known for its expertise in electrical and industrial infrastructure services. With this new defense-oriented venture, NIBE is stepping into a field that is both technologically demanding and strategically vital for India.

Even though the company posted a weak financial performance for the fourth quarter of FY25—reporting a 30% drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 7.64 crore and a 25.8% decline in total income to Rs 113.64 crore—investors seemed upbeat about its future prospects. Following the DRDO announcement, NIBE’s share price rose slightly, closing at Rs 1,675.85 on Friday, June 6.

This partnership with DRDO is more than just a business deal—it represents NIBE’s entry into India’s critical defense manufacturing landscape and aligns closely with the country’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision. As modular bridging systems play a crucial role in military logistics and mobility, NIBE’s contribution could have long-lasting impacts on India’s operational readiness and battlefield agility.

In the years to come, NIBE is expected to emerge as a key contributor to India’s defense mobility infrastructure, bringing not just technological value but also helping reduce reliance on imported defense equipment.