Indigenous defence systems boost operational readiness, Rajnath Singh praises DRDO’s role in Operation Sindoor

New Delhi, January 29. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 27 said that Operation Sindoor underscored the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence systems, highlighting how home-grown technologies are enhancing the country’s operational preparedness. He credited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for playing a pivotal role in advancing self-reliance in defence, which he said has evolved into a national mindset under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing DRDO’s best-performing scientists and technical personnel, who were invited as special guests to witness the 77th Republic Day Parade, Singh said DRDO-developed technologies were effectively deployed on the battlefield during Operation Sindoor. He noted that the organisation is central to the rapid transformation of India’s defence sector, driven by the push for indigenisation.

Emphasising the fast-paced nature of technological change, the Defence Minister urged DRDO scientists to focus on innovation and speed, while being willing to take calculated risks. He cautioned that technologies considered cutting-edge today could become obsolete within a few years, stressing that modern warfare demands not just strength but agility.

“In today’s battlefield environment, it is the survival of the fastest, not just the fittest,” he said, adding that nations that can quickly conceptualise, decide, and deploy technology gain a strategic edge.

Singh called on DRDO to move beyond areas where the private sector has already developed strong capabilities, and suggested the creation of a dedicated wing within the organisation to pursue high-risk, high-reward research. While such ventures may carry a lower probability of success, he said, any breakthrough could prove historic for the country.

Highlighting systemic challenges, the Defence Minister stressed the need to significantly reduce the time taken from research to prototyping, testing, and eventual deployment. He asserted that timely induction of systems into the armed forces should be the key benchmark of performance. While DRDO traditionally focuses on design and prototyping and industry handles production, Singh underlined the need to bridge this gap through co-development models, involving industry partners from the earliest stages of design through manufacturing.

Pointing to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas as a successful example of collaboration between DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Singh said many more such achievements are possible if DRDO works closely with public sector undertakings, private industry, MSMEs, startups, and academia. He emphasised that government support would be most effective when DRDO transitions from a monopolistic R&D approach to a collaborative ecosystem, enabling meaningful progress towards an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India).

The Defence Minister also highlighted the sharp rise in India’s defence exports, which have grown from less than Rs. 1,000 crore (around $109 million) in 2014 to about Rs. 24,000 ($2.6 billion) crore today. He reiterated the government’s target of achieving Rs. 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029-30, and urged DRDO to factor in export potential at the design stage itself – particularly in areas such as drones, radars, electronic warfare systems, and ammunition. Focusing on exports, he said, would aid cost recovery, enhance global credibility, and strengthen strategic partnerships.

Expressing confidence in DRDO’s future role, Singh said the organisation would be a key contributor to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He described DRDO’s scientists, engineers, and technicians as its real strength, stressing the importance of providing them opportunities to learn, assume leadership roles, and freely express ideas. Acknowledging the inevitability of setbacks in research, he said failures should be treated as learning experiences.

The event, organised by DRDO, honoured scientists, technical experts, and innovators for their contributions to India’s defence capabilities. Singh presented awards under the DRDO Award Scheme 2024, including the Dr Bhagavantam Technology Leadership Award to BV Paparao, Director of the Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad, for his leadership in the development of advanced missile technologies, and the Dr Nagchaudhuri Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Balaguru V for his contributions to platforms such as the Arjun main battle tank and the indigenous light tank ‘Zorawar’.

Several scientific and technical excellence awards were also presented. On the occasion, a book, titled The Unprecedented Success Story of the First Indigenous Supersonic Multi-Target Surface-to-Air Missile System – AKASH,  chronicling the development and success of the indigenous Akash supersonic surface-to-air missile system was released, highlighting DRDO’s research strength and strategic vision. The book is co-authored by G Chandramouli, Padma Shri, former Project Director of Akash and Prahlada Ram Rao, Padma Shri and first Project Director of Akash.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, senior officials, and award recipients along with their families attended the function.