Technology is Integral to Modern Warfare, Says Defense Minister Rajnath Singh
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasizes the crucial role of technology in modern warfare during a meeting in Jaisalmer.
New Delhi, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that technology has become a vital component of contemporary warfare. Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Defense in Jaisalmer, he highlighted the ongoing initiatives by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to enhance military capabilities. New weapons, missiles, and systems are currently undergoing testing.
Singh noted that the three branches of the armed forces are continuously evolving their structures and military formations. For instance, the Indian Army has introduced new units such as the Asni, Bhairav, and Shaktibaan platoons, which are proving effective in meeting operational demands and adapting to changing warfare conditions. Contributions from both micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large corporations are increasingly significant in the defense sector.
The Minister emphasized that the goal is not merely to acquire modern equipment but to develop a defense framework that aligns with the needs of the armed forces, boosts participation from Indian industries, and reduces strategic dependence on foreign entities.
Singh also pointed out that the government is consistently increasing the defense budget to modernize the armed forces. For the fiscal year 2026-27, the total defense budget has risen to ₹7.85 lakh crore, with ₹2.19 lakh crore earmarked specifically for the modernization and procurement of military equipment. The government aims to fulfill the needs of the armed forces while promoting domestic defense manufacturing.
He reiterated that adequate financial resources are essential for modernization, leading the government to enhance the budget year after year. The commitment to meeting the armed forces’ requirements remains unwavering, and the military prioritizes its most critical needs while ensuring efficient budget utilization.
Highlighting progress toward self-reliance in the defense sector, Singh noted its positive impact on defense production and exports. India’s defense production increased from ₹46,429 crore in the fiscal year 2014-15 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26. Similarly, defense exports have surged from less than ₹2,000 crore in 2014 to approximately ₹40,000 crore today. The government aims to reach a defense production target of ₹3 lakh crore and defense exports of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Singh stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and private industries in the defense sector, describing it as a collective national effort. He expressed pride in witnessing the contributions from both public and private sectors, stating, “This is a whole-of-the-nation approach.”
In conclusion, the Defense Minister reiterated that the aim is to create a defense system that develops technology according to the armed forces’ needs, increases participation from Indian industries, and minimizes strategic dependence.
