Learning lessons from the Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel wars, India must develop its own robust ecosystem for drone manufacturing, affirmed the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday while addressing the National Defence Industries Conclave.
Singh said both military conflicts have demonstrated the necessity of having drones and counter-drone technologies.
"As the entire world watches the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, along with Iran-Israel, we can clearly see the extremely significant role of drones and counter-drone technologies in future warfare. Today, there is a need to build such a drone manufacturing ecosystem in India in which we are completely self-reliant," he said.
"For India's defence preparedness and strategic autonomy, it is essential that India becomes fully self-reliant in drone manufacturing," Singh added.
Further speaking on the growing importance of AI, robotics, and other new and critical technologies, the Indian defence minister cited, "In today's era, innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics are transforming manufacturing across the world. Alongside these, simulation technology is also opening up new possibilities.”
"This self-reliance is necessary not only at the product level but also at the component level. That is, from the drone's mould to the software, engine, and batteries, all should be made in India. This task is not easy because in most countries where drones are made, many critical components are imported from a specific country," he added.
The conclave was attended by top executives of leading domestic defence manufacturing firms as well as officials of defence public sector undertakings.
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