Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reaffirmed that defence research remains a top priority for the government, noting that the Defence Research and Development Organisation has already transferred 2,200 technologies to industrial partners. He made these remarks during the opening session of the three-day ‘North Tech Symposium’ in Prayagraj, where he highlighted the importance of continuous innovation to keep pace with changing warfare dynamics.
The Minister pointed out that the government has earmarked a quarter of the defence R&D budget for industry, academia, and start-ups, and has already utilised more than ₹4,500 crore.
Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Rajnath Singh observed that warfare has undergone a swift transformation, with drones and sensor-based systems increasingly replacing conventional weaponry within a short span. He further remarked that even common technologies are now being adapted for military use, citing incidents in West Asia that have led to a reassessment of combat strategies.
In this context, the Minister stressed the need for preparedness and the ability to respond with strategic surprise when necessary.
Highlighting recent policy initiatives, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the government has removed the earlier 20 per cent Transfer of Technology fee for development and production partners. He also noted that DRDO has opened access to its patents free of cost for Indian companies, thereby strengthening their technological base.
In addition, the Minister stated that DRDO’s testing infrastructure is now available to industries on a paid basis, enabling numerous firms to utilise these facilities for research and development every year.
Rajnath Singh reiterated that the government will continue to support emerging defence technologies such as hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, quantum systems, and directed energy platforms. He cited Operation Sindoor to illustrate modern technological warfare, where indigenous systems such as the BrahMos missile and the Akash missile system played a key role.
Growth in Defence Production and Exports
The Defence Minister emphasised that India’s defence sector has achieved significant growth, with domestic production reaching ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2025–26 and exports rising to ₹38,424 crore. He also highlighted key initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), ADITI, and the Technology Development Fund to boost innovation and increase private sector participation.
Senior Army commanders, including Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta and Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, also addressed the event, highlighting the importance of collaboration in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem.
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