India to work in mission mode to become global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing: Rajnath

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that in view of the current geo-political uncertainty, India should work in mission mode to become a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing to ensure strategic autonomy, strengthen defense preparations, and make the country self-reliant. He said that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are playing a crucial role in promoting economic growth, and it is essential to adopt new technologies to achieve the goal of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Mr. Singh addressed the inaugural session of the two-day National Defense Industry Conference organized by the Department of Defense Production on Thursday, on the theme of 'Advanced Manufacturing Technologies', to MSMEs, start-ups, innovators, defense public sector units, private defense companies, policymakers, and education experts. He emphasized the need to create a drone production ecosystem to achieve strategic autonomy and self-reliance.

The Defense Minister said that ongoing conflicts, from the Russia-Ukraine war to tensions between Iran and Israel, are proof that drones and anti-drone technologies will play a crucial role in future wars, and self-reliance in drone manufacturing is necessary not only at the product level but also at the component level. He said, "From the drone's framework to its software, engine, and batteries, everything should be made in India. This is not an easy task. In many countries where drones are manufactured, many critical components are currently being imported from China."

Mr. Singh said that the construction of a country's defense industrial system depends on the cooperation of large institutions, MSMEs, and start-ups, as well as clear government policy. He appealed to the private sector to participate actively and assured full government support to make India a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing.

The Defense Minister launched the 14th edition of the 'Defense India Start-up Challenge' and the fourth edition of 'iDEX Challenges' under the iDEX framework. A total of 107 problem statements were released from the defense forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Defense Space Agency to promote revolutionary innovations in various fields. A new initiative of 101 innovative challenges related to defense public sector units was also launched, aiming to encourage design-based innovation. These challenges will be financially supported by government defense agencies, and the winning start-ups will be provided with guidance and testing facilities.

Mr. Singh described iDEX and ADITI as revolutionary measures, which provide an opportunity for small institutions to develop solutions according to the specific needs of the defense forces. He said that by February 2026, around 676 start-ups and MSMEs have been connected to the defense innovation system. So far, 548 contracts have been signed, and 566 challenges have been initiated. Of these, 58 models have been approved for procurement worth around Rs 3,853 crore. In addition, contracts worth around Rs 2,326 crore have already been signed for 45 purchases. These figures show that innovation is slowly turning into tangible products and technologies.

Mr. Singh said that today, MSMEs are actively working in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing, which is a significant positive change. He appealed to these institutions and start-ups to adopt and integrate these technologies so that resources and capabilities can be utilized optimally. He said that technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and 'additive manufacturing' are reshaping the global manufacturing sector, while 'digital twin' and modern simulation tools are creating new possibilities. The 'digital twin' means creating a virtual model of a real system, which can be used to better understand complex systems and make more accurate decisions.

The Defense Minister said that the government has taken several steps to strengthen MSMEs. This year's central budget has adopted a three-level approach to provide equity, liquidity, and business support to them, so that they can become first-rate. The goal is to accelerate their growth and increase competition in domestic and international markets. He said that since 2014, the government has been focusing on expanding this critical sector. Digital platforms like 'Udyam Portal' and 'Udyam Assist Portal' have been launched to simplify registration and identification, so that small institutions can be included in the formal economy and benefit from government schemes. He said that the number of MSMEs in the country was around 4.67 crore in 2012-13, which has now increased to around 8 crore. This increase reflects the growing spirit of entrepreneurship in the country.

Mr. Singh said that start-ups are becoming drivers of social change through their unique ideas, and many institutions are achieving 'unicorn' status in a very short time. More such institutions will emerge in the near future. This requires continuous effort, patience, and dedication. He appealed to MSMEs and start-ups to innovate, adopt new technologies, and contribute to a self-reliant India and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Secretary of Defense Production Sanjiv Kumar said that the purpose of this conference is to promote modern manufacturing technologies and encourage the participation of MSMEs in the entire value chain, from design, development, and manufacturing. He said that 200 problem statements will provide an opportunity for these institutions, industries, and young innovators to develop modern products and enhance their expertise. He said that as part of the 'Year of Reform' in 2025, the ministry has taken several steps, including simplifying the licensing process, strengthening quality procedures, and empowering testing laboratories. A digital database 'Srijan Dashboard' has been created for industries working in the defense sector, which includes more than 40,000 industries, to promote research and development.

During the program, the Defense Minister also launched five publications of the Department of Defense Production, aimed at raising awareness about policy initiatives, promoting defense exports, and ensuring business facilitation. In addition, the Defense Minister inaugurated an exhibition in which 20 major defense companies showcased their programs to include MSMEs as partners and suppliers. Alongside, 24 Indian and foreign companies are showcasing modern technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart materials.

Present on the occasion were Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Army Chief General Avnish Dwyedi, Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Secretary and Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, and other senior officials.