Rajnath Singh Highlights Drone Warfare Lessons from Global Conflicts
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for India to build a robust and self-reliant ecosystem for drone manufacturing, drawing critical insights from recent international conflicts. Speaking at the National Defence Industries Conclave in New Delhi on Thursday, Singh pointed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran-Israel tensions as stark examples of the transformative role drones play in modern warfare.
Global Conflicts Underscore Drone Significance
"As the entire world watches the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, along with Iran-Israel, we can clearly see the extremely significant role of drones and counter-drone technologies in future warfare," Singh stated. He emphasized that these conflicts have demonstrated how unmanned aerial vehicles are reshaping battlefield dynamics, making it imperative for India to enhance its indigenous capabilities.
The conclave was attended by top executives from leading domestic defence manufacturing firms and officials of defence public sector undertakings, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to achieve this goal.
Push for Complete Self-Reliance in Defence
Singh stressed that for India's defence preparedness and strategic autonomy, full self-reliance in drone manufacturing is essential. "Today, there is a need to build such a drone manufacturing ecosystem in India in which we are completely self-reliant," he asserted. This vision extends beyond mere assembly to encompass every component, from software and engines to batteries and moulds.
"This self-reliance is necessary not only at the product level but also at the component level. That is, from the drone's mould to the software, engine and batteries, all should be made in India," Singh explained. He acknowledged the challenges, noting that in many countries, critical drone components are imported from specific nations, making the task complex but crucial for national security.
Embracing AI and Robotics in Defence Manufacturing
Beyond drones, Singh also touched upon the growing significance of artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies in defence. "In today's era, innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming manufacturing across the world. Alongside these, simulation technology is also opening up new possibilities," he said.
He urged industry leaders to focus on improving product quality and leveraging these advanced technologies to boost India's defence manufacturing sector. This holistic approach aims to position India as a global leader in cutting-edge defence solutions.
The defence minister's remarks underscore a strategic shift towards indigenization, aligning with the broader 'Make in India' initiative to reduce dependency on foreign imports and strengthen national security frameworks.
