27 Jan : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Operation Sindoor clearly demonstrated the role of indigenous defence systems in strengthening India’s operational preparedness.
He credited the Defence Research and Development Organisation for advancing self-reliance in national security.
Addressing DRDO’s Best Performing Scientists and Technical Personnel, Singh said self-reliance has become a national mindset under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scientists attended the 77th Republic Day Parade as special guests.
Singh said government initiatives have transformed India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
He noted that defence exports stood below Rs 1,000 crore in 2014. They have now surged to a record Rs 24,000 crore.
The Defence Minister stressed the need to further scale exports. He said the government has set a defence exports target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30.
He urged the DRDO to factor export potential into the design stage itself.
Export Push & Innovation
Rajnath Singh asked scientists to focus on drones, radars, electronic warfare systems, and ammunition.
Singh said export-driven development ensures cost recovery, enhances global credibility, and strengthens strategic partnerships.
He expressed confidence that the DRDO will play a decisive role in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Rajnath Singh said the armed forces effectively deployed DRDO-developed technologies during Operation Sindoor.
He added that the organisation is driving rapid transformation in the defence sector through indigenisation.
Highlighting the fast pace of technological change, Singh urged scientists to stay ahead of the curve. He said that technologies can lose relevance within 4 to 5 years.
Rajnath Singh stressed that modern warfare rewards speed. He called for adopting the principle of ‘survival of the fastest’ rather than ‘survival of the fittest’.
The Defence Minister encouraged the DRDO to move beyond areas where private industry already has strong capabilities.
He proposed creating a dedicated wing to pursue high-risk research. He said success in such sectors could deliver historic outcomes.
Singh also stressed the need to shorten timelines from research to prototyping, testing, and deployment.
Rajnath Singh said timely induction into the armed forces must become the key performance benchmark.
He acknowledged that while DRDO focuses on design and prototypes, the industry handles production. He said bridging this gap remains essential.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggested adopting a co-development model, involving industry partners from the early design stage through production.
