Rajnath Singh inaugurates NIBE defence manufacturing complex in Maharashtra, flags off ‘Suryastra’ rocket system

New Delhi, May 23. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 23 inaugurated a new defence manufacturing complex of the NIBE Group at Shirdi in Maharashtra, asserting that countries capable of producing their own weapons shape their own destiny and strategic future.

The facility, inaugurated in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is aimed at manufacturing advanced artillery systems, missile and space technologies, rocket systems, energetic materials and autonomous defence platforms.

During the event, India’s first 300-km Universal Rocket Launching System, ‘Suryastra’, was flagged off, while the foundation stone for a dedicated missile complex linked to the system was also laid. Indigenous TNT plant technology, RDX plant technology and a renewable bio-energy compressed biogas plant were unveiled as part of the ceremony. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between NIBE Group and Black Sky for cooperation in satellite assembly.

Addressing the gathering, Singh stressed that self-reliance in ammunition and defence production has become critical in the current global security environment. He said the new complex would help meet the operational requirements of the armed forces while strengthening the country’s industrial ecosystem.

The Defence Minister noted that defence manufacturing, once largely confined to public sector undertakings and ordnance factories, had been opened up to private participation under the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the government recognised the private sector’s potential to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.

Singh said future wars would increasingly be determined by technological superiority in munitions, automation and advanced systems rather than merely the size of military forces. Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia and India’s recent Operation Sindoor, he said modern warfare has underscored the growing importance of automation and precision strike capabilities.

He added that Indian private industry has developed a strong understanding of future warfare requirements and is working towards equipping the armed forces with advanced indigenous systems. Calling for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders, Singh said the government remains committed to making India a global centre for munitions and automated defence systems through initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing in critical technologies.

The Defence Minister also emphasised that technology should enhance, and not replace, the capabilities of soldiers, asserting that final decisions in warfare must remain under human control. He urged defence manufacturers to strengthen India’s preparedness for next-generation conflicts and work towards complete self-reliance in defence and space technology.

Highlighting reforms introduced over the past decade, Singh said liberalised FDI norms, the Strategic Partnership Model, Positive Indigenisation Lists and schemes such as iDEX, ADITI and the Technology Development Fund have encouraged innovation and expanded private sector participation in defence production.

According to Singh, private sector contribution to defence manufacturing, once negligible, has now risen to nearly 25-30 percent, with the government targeting an increase to 50 percent in the coming years. He said private companies are no longer limited to supplying components, but are emerging as developers and manufacturers of sophisticated weapon systems.

The Defence Minister also underlined the growing linkage between national security and economic strength, warning that trade, supply chains and even rare earth minerals are increasingly being weaponised globally. In such a scenario, he said, India cannot afford dependence on foreign suppliers for defence manufacturing needs.

Describing the newly inaugurated facilities as research-oriented hubs, Singh said the missile complex linked to the Suryastra rocket system would significantly strengthen India’s future warfare capabilities and enhance strike power through indigenous technology.

He also said the project would create a broad ecosystem benefiting MSMEs, ancillary industries and local suppliers while generating employment opportunities and advanced technical skills for youth in the region.

Speaking at the event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the Centre’s push for self-reliance in defence through the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives. He described Operation Sindoor as a reflection of both the bravery of Indian soldiers and the growing strength of indigenous defence manufacturing.

Fadnavis said India’s defence ecosystem has undergone a major transformation through active participation of both the public and private sectors, adding that the country’s growing strategic capabilities are also contributing to global peace and stability.

The event included technology demonstrations, defence capability displays by MSMEs and interactions with industry leaders and defence stakeholders. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, senior civil and military officials, strategic partners and industry representatives were also present.