Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) was established at Hyderabad in 1963 to meet the needs of complex metals and materials required for modern sophisticated warfare weapons systems.   Over the years, the Laboratory has acquired a special status as a premier centre for R&D in metals, alloys, ceramic and composites. Since its inception, the Laboratory has developed and established a number of frontline technologies in the area of metallurgy and material science.  An infrastructure of advanced experimental facilities has been evolved over decades.

The development at DMRL has led to creation of new technology and production centres in the country.  They are – Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani), Non-Ferrous Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) and International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials, all at Hyderabad  and Heavy Alloy Penetrator Plant (HAPP), an Ordnance Factory, at Tiruchirapally.  Today, they are nationally important institutions in their own right.