NAGPUR, Jan 18 : Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the private sector has moved ahead of the public sector in research and development, marking a significant shift in India’s defence ecosystem.
Speaking at the inauguration of a medium-calibre ammunition manufacturing facility at Solar Industries in Nagpur, Singh recalled that defence production was once confined to the public sector, with little scope imagined for private participation. Although the private sector always had the capability and potential, its involvement had not matched expectations in the past, he noted.
Singh said there were initial apprehensions and challenges when India began its journey towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
However, the present government demonstrated confidence in the private sector by liberalising policies and streamlining procedures, enabling greater participation.
This policy shift has led to improved quality, faster delivery timelines and higher productivity, he said, adding that India’s defence ecosystem has strengthened considerably.
The scientific mindset and technology-driven approach adopted by private defence companies is highly commendable, he observed.
The Defence Minister asserted that India is rapidly progressing towards becoming a major global exporter of arms and ammunition.
He acknowledged that the country had earlier faced shortages in ammunition supply, but self-reliance initiatives have addressed these gaps.
He also praised the Solar Group for its defence manufacturing capabilities, including production of Pinaka missiles and the Nagastra drone used during Operation Sindoor.
Singh said the government aims to position India as a global hub for ammunition manufacturing.
Highlighting the evolving nature of warfare, he said modern conflicts are no longer restricted to borders alone. Energy security, trade, tariffs, supply chains, technology and information have emerged as new dimensions of war, making conflicts more complex and intense.
“In such a scenario, preparation for war must be on a war footing. The nature of warfare is changing rapidly, with new methods emerging that were unheard of in traditional wars,” he said.
He stressed that the impact of wars is now directly felt by civilians, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance along borders, stronger weapons systems, advanced hardware and a robust defence manufacturing base.
Singh reiterated that irrespective of the form of conflict, a strong defence industrial base, backed by research, development and private sector-led production, is essential.
The government aims for the private sector to contribute at least 50 percent of India’s total defence manufacturing output, the minister said.
Providing figures, he said domestic defence production has grown from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 1.50 lakh crore at present, with the private sector contributing around Rs 30,000 crore.
Defence exports, which stood at just Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago, have now risen to Rs 25,000 crore, with a target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30, he added.
(UNI)
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