Warfare Evolution: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized on Monday that as warfare evolves rapidly, India must continuously improve its defence solutions. He urged the defence manufacturing sector to focus on developing countermeasures for new challenges. He also encouraged CEOs of major defence equipment companies to take advantage of India’s expanding defence industry, supported by policies that promote self-reliance.
Speaking at the CEOs Roundtable during the 15th edition of Aero India, Singh said, “The essence of this conclave is how to join hands to make India a leading defence manufacturer and service provider at the global scale. All this has to be viewed in the backdrop of the new technological revolutions such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum technology, and others” reported by ET.
He highlighted how the nature of military operations is changing, stating, “As the nature of warfare is changing rapidly, we need to adopt and improve solutions constantly. For example, the earlier reliance on pure hardware-based systems is increasingly getting replaced by software-based systems.
These day the nature of communication and data sharing in military operations is getting much more complex. Our reliance on space-based navigation systems, space-based communication, and surveillance implies that space-based assets would have to be integrated into our operational plans.”
He pointed out that drones have become a critical factor in modern conflicts, saying, “The use of drones in recent conflicts indicates that the future would depend on the integrated efforts of manned, unmanned, and autonomous warfare systems.” He added that defence manufacturing efforts must focus on creating solutions for these emerging challenges.
The defence minister also acknowledged the rapidly changing technological landscape and the concerns it brings, explaining, “All these challenges need specific targeted solutions and countermeasures. The Government of India is not only fully aware of these dynamics but also geared to deal with them. This is where we have put in place transparent regulations, processes, and policies that are industry-friendly.”
As he inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Singh stressed that self-reliance is not just an option but a necessity. “Self-reliance today is not only a strategic choice and opportunity, but a kind of compulsion too. These opportunities are fueled by a young generation of high-tech workforce, willing to take the plunge, and a great startup ecosystem.”
He highlighted India’s skilled workforce, saying, “We have a large pool of human resources in the country. They are equipped with the required set of skills. The skilled youths constantly update themselves in the face of the fast-changing defence ecosystem in the world. At the same time, I also urge you all to come forward with your feedback so that we can work on a better and more secure future together.”
Singh showcased India’s progress in defence exports, stating, “As a testimony to the emergence of India as a defence export nucleus, the country has seen 31 times growth in the export of defence products in the last 10 years as compared to Financial Year 2013-14.”
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He explained the government’s efforts to boost domestic production, saying, “We have continuously revised and updated our defence product lists with the aim to encourage more players to enter defence production. The issuance of the Positive Indigenisation List is a clear indication of our intent to support the industry in India’s efforts for self-reliance.”
He also noted the overall improvements in India’s business environment, adding, “The overall ease of doing business environment has improved tremendously. The initiatives of the government are showing great results, and it is evident as India has the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world today. This is expected to witness year-on-year growth of 10-12 percent.”
Encouraging business leaders to invest in India’s defence sector, Singh said, “You must not miss the opportunity to leverage the advantages of this vibrant ecosystem.”
