Rajnath Singh Calls for Accelerated Defence Innovation, Self-Reliance at DRDO’s ARDE Pune Visit
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 16th October 2025: The Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, visited the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune on Thursday to review the progress of cutting-edge defence technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
During the visit, the committee inspected several state-of-the-art indigenous systems, including the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), PINAKA Rocket System, Light Tank ‘Zorawar’, Wheeled Armoured Platform, and the AKASH-New Generation missile. Officials from the Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) cluster also presented a detailed roadmap outlining future technology development initiatives in areas such as robotics, rail guns, electromagnetic aircraft launch systems, and high-energy propulsion materials.
Addressing the committee on the theme ‘Emerging Technologies and DRDO’, Rajnath Singh emphasised the need for India to adapt swiftly to global defence transformations and the evolving nature of warfare. He underscored that technological dominance is the new foundation of national security and strategic decision-making.
“Today is an era of technological dominance. The nation that prioritises science and innovation will lead the future. Technology is no longer limited to laboratories; it has become the backbone of our defence systems and policies. Our goal is not only to achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence but also to build a culture that inspires innovation and positions India as a global defence hub,” Singh said.
He urged the scientific and defence community to adopt future technological changes as a national mission rather than merely a technical upgrade. “We should not only be the users of technology; we should also be the creators. Aatmanirbharta in defence is not just a goal—it is our strongest shield for national security,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to self-reliance, Singh said India must reduce its dependence on imported technologies. “The scope of cutting-edge technology is often restricted, and some nations choose not to share it. India has challenged these barriers. With clear intent and robust policies, we are now not only meeting domestic defence needs but also emerging as a trusted partner globally,” he said.
The Defence Minister commended DRDO for its achievements in developing indigenous systems and fostering a strong R&D ecosystem in partnership with industry, academia, and start-ups. “This is no longer just a government effort—it has become a national movement. Together, DRDO, public sector enterprises, private industries, start-ups, and academia are setting new benchmarks in defence innovation,” Singh noted.
He also praised India’s youth for making breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, cyber security, robotics, quantum communication, and space technology, saying that emerging technologies are modernising the armed forces while opening new opportunities for the younger generation.
Members of the committee expressed satisfaction with the ACE cluster’s progress and offered suggestions to strengthen future initiatives. Rajnath Singh assured them that their recommendations would receive due consideration.
The meeting was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence. Directors and scientists from the ACE cluster were also present.
