New Delhi, Mar 19: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for building a strong, self-reliant drone manufacturing ecosystem in India, pointing to lessons from ongoing global conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel.
Speaking at the National Defence Industries Conclave, Singh highlighted the growing importance of drones and counter drone systems in modern warfare. He said recent conflicts have clearly demonstrated how these technologies are shaping the battlefield and redefining defence strategies.
Emphasising the need for strategic autonomy, the minister urged the development of a fully indigenous ecosystem, covering everything from hardware to software. “From moulds to engines, batteries and software, every component should be made in India,” he said, noting that many countries still depend on imports for critical drone parts.
Singh also underlined the transformative role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and simulation in defence manufacturing. He called on industry leaders to prioritise innovation and enhance product quality to strengthen India’s defence preparedness.
The conclave brought together senior officials and industry representatives from defence public sector undertakings and private firms to discuss future opportunities in the sector.