Vital installations to get air defence system
*India’s indigenous capabilities bolstered
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Jan 1: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said the weapon systems developed by the Defence, Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor, which serves as a testament to professionalism and commitment of the organisation towards safeguarding national interests.
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Addressing on the occasion of 68th Foundation Day of the DRDO at its headquarters in New Delhi, Rajnath said: “the DRDO is responsible for equipping our vital installations with an air defence system to ensure complete aerial protection over the next decade. It will play a crucial role in the creation of Sudarshan Chakra as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2025 address from the ramparts of Red Fort”.
He said they witnessed importance of air defence in modern warfare during Operation Sindoor and expressed confidence that the DRDO will work wholeheartedly to achieve the goal soon.
The Defence Minister commended the DRDO for bolstering India’s indigenous capabilities by equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art technologies/equipments saying the DRDO’s equipment worked seamlessly during Operation Sindoor, boosting morale of the soldiers.
Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor from May 7-10, 2025 targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and PoJK killing several terrorists including their top commanders and destroying terror training camps and military installations. The operation was launched in retaliation to April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local guide were killed.
Singh called upon the DRDO to continue marching ahead “in sync with the rapidly-evolving technological ecosystem”, and keep coming out with products that are relevant to the changing times.
He urged the organisation to continue focusing on innovation and identify more areas which can enhance the participation of the private sector.
Acknowledging the DRDO’s collaboration with the private sector, the Defence Minister said the increased engagement with the industry, academia and start-ups has resulted in creation of a synergetic defence ecosystem.
“The DRDO has consistently improved its systems, processes, and working methods. From procurement to project management, from industry engagement to collaborating with start-ups and MSMEs, there is a visible effort to make the work easier, faster, and more reliable,” he said.
Appreciating the efforts being made by the DRDO towards developing “deep tech and next-generation technologies”, he said, headway in this endeavour will not only increase the nation’s capabilities, but also strengthen the defence ecosystem.
Emphasizing that the present era is not just of science, but of continuous development and constant learning, Singh said technology scanning, capability assessment, and future readiness are “no longer just words in this changing world”.
“The world is changing every day. Technology, innovation, and new warfare domains are rapidly advancing, making yesterday’s knowledge obsolete. We must never assume that the learning process has ended. We must continue learning and challenge themselves, paving the way for the new generation,” he said.
During the meeting held on his visit to the DRDO headquarters, Singh was briefed by Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Samir V Kamat about the ongoing R&D activities, achievements of the organisation in 2025, various initiatives in promoting industry, start-ups and academia and the roadmap for 2026.
Singh was apprised of the major targets set for 2026 and various reforms that the DRDO is taking for the betterment of the organisation.
The DRDO was set up in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical Development Establishments (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
It was then a small organisation with 10 establishments or laboratories. Over the years, it has grown multi-directionally in terms of the variety of subject disciplines, number of laboratories, achievements and stature, according to the Defence Ministry.
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