Mumbai, May 4: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Monday that the government has prioritized defense research, with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) transferring 2,200 technologies to various industries.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day ‘North Tech Symposium,’ organized by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Command and the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers, Singh addressed defense personnel, industry representatives, innovators, and startups. He emphasized the importance of continuous research to stay prepared for the rapidly changing technological landscape and to maintain a ‘surprise element.’
Singh revealed that 25% of the defense research and development (R&D) budget is allocated to industries, academic institutions, and startups, which have utilized over ₹4,500 crore from this budget so far.
Highlighting the rapid technological changes in modern warfare, he noted that the nature of conflict is evolving. “Surprise elements are emerging that were previously unimaginable,” he stated. He cited the Russia-Ukraine war as an example, where the nature of warfare shifted from tanks and missiles to drones and sensor-based systems within just three to four years. Everyday items are also transforming into lethal weapons, as seen in the pager attacks in Lebanon and Syria, prompting a reevaluation of modern warfare tactics. “We must be prepared for every situation,” he added.
The minister emphasized the need for the country to develop capabilities for unexpected strikes against adversaries when necessary. He announced a new ‘Technology Transfer Policy,’ which eliminates the previously imposed 20% fee for development-cum-production partners, development partners, and production agencies.
Additionally, Singh mentioned that DRDO has initiated a policy to provide its patents free of charge to Indian industries, enhancing their technical capabilities and global competitiveness. DRDO’s testing facilities are now also available to industries on a fee basis, utilized by hundreds of companies annually for research and development.
The government will fully support industries in advancing areas such as directed energy weapons, hypersonic weapons, underwater domain awareness, space situational awareness, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Singh highlighted ‘Operation Sindoor’ as an exemplary case of technical warfare and national preparedness, showcasing the use of advanced indigenous equipment, including Akash-Tir and BrahMos missile systems.
He noted that the government’s efforts toward self-reliance are yielding positive results, with defense production reaching a record ₹1.54 lakh crore in the fiscal year 2025-26, while defense exports have also soared to an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore.
Referencing initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to strengthen the defense sector, Singh mentioned programs like ‘Innovations for Defense Excellence (IDEX),’ ‘Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with IDEX (ADITI),’ and ‘Technology Development Fund (TDF)’ as crucial for promoting innovation and increasing private sector participation.
During the event, Central Command’s General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, and Northern Command’s General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Prateek Sharma, also addressed the gathering.
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