many years, India depended mostly on government factories like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and ordnance factories for weapons. Now, private companies are also playing a stronger role in national defence manufacturing. This is good for competition, innovation, and speed.
Why Defence Self-Reliance Matters
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about why self-reliance is so important. He said that future wars will depend less on the number of soldiers and more on technological superiority, automation, and advanced munitions. Munitions means weapons and ammunition. He gave examples of recent global conflicts. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in West Asia, and India’s own recent military action called Operation Sindoor. In all these conflicts, we see that drones, smart bombs, and long-range rockets are changing how wars are fought. Countries that cannot make their own weapons become dependent on others. That is risky. If a foreign country stops supplying weapons during a war, you are in trouble.
India’s defence self-reliance supports many things:
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National security – India can protect itself without asking others for help.
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Faster military modernisation – India can make new weapons as fast as it wants.
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Reduced foreign dependency – India saves money and gains respect.
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Economic resilience – Defence manufacturing creates jobs and builds skills.
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Export competitiveness – India can sell weapons to friendly countries.
Government Initiatives Driving Indigenous Defence Growth
India’s defence transformation is not happening by accident. The government has launched many programmes to boost domestic innovation. Some of the major programmes include:
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Make in India – Encourages companies to manufacture in India.
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Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Self-reliant India campaign.
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Positive Indigenisation Lists – Lists of weapons that can only be bought from Indian companies.
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iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) – Supports startups and innovators in defence.
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ADITI Initiative – Another programme for defence technology innovation.
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Technology Development Fund – Provides money for research and development.
These initiatives encourage startups, private manufacturers, MSMEs (small and medium enterprises), and defence innovators to participate in indigenous military production. Thanks to these programmes, India is now making its own tanks, aircraft, ships, and now rocket systems like Suryastra.
Additional Strategic Announcements at the Event
The Shirdi event was full of good news. Besides Suryastra and the new factory, several other important defence and industrial developments were announced. These included:
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Foundation stone for a missile complex linked to Suryastra. This means more rockets and missiles will be made in India.
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Launch of indigenous TNT Plant Technology – TNT is a common explosive used in shells and bombs.
Month: Current Affairs - May 25, 2026
Category: Defence Technology, Make in Indi