Rajnath Singh Leads Defence Committee Visit to DRDO-ARDE Pune, Calls for Technological Dominance and Self-Reliance in Defence Innovation

In a significant step towards reinforcing India's vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence technology, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh led the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence on a visit to the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune on October 16, 2025. The visit underscored India's rapid strides in developing next-generation military systems and indigenous technological solutions under the aegis of the Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The high-level delegation inspected and reviewed an array of state-of-the-art defence systems, witnessed live demonstrations of newly developed platforms, and deliberated on the theme "Emerging Technologies and DRDO."

Showcasing India's Defence Prowess

During the visit, DRDO scientists presented the latest innovations in the field of artillery, missile systems, armoured platforms, and emerging defence technologies. The display included a range of indigenously developed systems that symbolize India's technological leap in the armament sector:

• Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) – India's first fully indigenous 155mm/52-calibre howitzer capable of firing up to 48 km with high accuracy.

• PINAKA Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher – a battlefield-proven indigenous system now upgraded with extended-range rockets and automation.

• Light Tank 'Zorawar' – designed for high-mobility operations in mountainous terrains and amphibious zones.

• Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) – a modular infantry combat vehicle that enhances mobility and survivability in diverse terrains.

• AKASH-New Generation Missile System (AKASH-NG) – an upgraded surface-to-air missile system with improved range, mobility, and precision.

In addition to operational systems, the delegation was briefed about future technologies under development, including Robotics, Electromagnetic Rail Guns, High-Energy Propulsion Materials, Quantum Sensors, and the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) — a technology that will significantly enhance India's aircraft carrier capabilities.

A comprehensive technology roadmap was also presented to the committee, outlining the future trajectory of the ACE cluster's R&D and production goals.

"The Future Belongs to Nations That Prioritise Innovation"

Addressing the members, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh emphasized that India is entering an era of technological dominance, where innovation and scientific capability determine national power. He called upon scientists, armed forces, and industries to accelerate research and development in critical domains.

"Today is an era of technological dominance. The nation that prioritises science and innovation will lead the future. Technology is no longer confined to laboratories; it has become the foundation of strategic decisions, defence systems, and future policies," he said.

The Raksha Mantri reiterated the Government's vision to make India a global defence innovation hub, saying, "Our goal is not only to achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence but also to develop a culture that inspires our youth and future generations to lead the world in defence technology."

Aatmanirbharta: The Shield of National Security

Calling self-reliance the "strongest shield for national security", Shri Rajnath Singh underlined that India can no longer depend on foreign suppliers for critical defence technologies. He noted that the global environment of protectionism and limited technology sharing underscores the importance of indigenous innovation.

"The scope of cutting-edge technology transfer is very restricted. Some nations adopt protectionist measures and hesitate to share disruptive technologies. India has challenged this limitation. With clear intent and unambiguous policies, we have proved that we can become self-reliant in any domain," he stated.

The Minister praised DRDO's achievements in developing technologies that were once imported and in creating futuristic systems that are now setting international benchmarks.

Building a National Innovation Ecosystem

Shri Rajnath Singh acknowledged the transformative role of collaboration between DRDO, public sector enterprises, private industry, academia, and start-ups in shaping India's new defence ecosystem. He said that the government's policies—ranging from Make in India and Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) to Technology Development Fund (TDF)—have catalysed a national movement for defence innovation.

"Defence innovation in India is no longer a government effort; it has become a national endeavour. Our scientists, industries, and youth are together creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives," he said.

He highlighted India's rapid progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Quantum Communication, and Space Technology, asserting that the youth are driving breakthroughs that strengthen both defence and the digital economy.

Committee Members' Observations and Future Directions

The Consultative Committee members expressed satisfaction with the technological advancements and strategic vision demonstrated by DRDO and the ACE cluster. They lauded the integration of research, development, and industrial collaboration, and recommended faster implementation of ongoing projects to ensure strategic autonomy.

The members emphasized the importance of systematic coordination between defence laboratories, production agencies, and the armed forces to shorten product development cycles and accelerate deployment of indigenous systems.

Raksha Mantri assured the committee that their suggestions would be reviewed and incorporated into future policy decisions to further strengthen India's defence R&D architecture.

The ACE Cluster: Driving Innovation in Armament and Combat Systems

The Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) cluster, under which ARDE operates, comprises several DRDO laboratories that focus on armaments, combat engineering systems, explosives, and propulsion materials. Together, these labs are responsible for developing artillery guns, missiles, tanks, combat vehicles, precision-guided munitions, and advanced explosives—the backbone of India's land and air warfare capabilities.

At ARDE, scientists and engineers are engaged in developing next-generation weapon systems, ensuring cost-effective indigenous solutions that match global standards. The facility is a cornerstone of India's Defence Industrial Corridor (DIC) vision, linking research with domestic manufacturing and exports.

"Emerging Technologies: The Catalyst of Defence Transformation"

The Raksha Mantri's address encapsulated India's approach to the future of warfare—driven by technology, powered by innovation, and rooted in self-reliance. He emphasized that emerging technologies are not merely instruments of modernisation but catalysts of transformation for India's armed forces.

"We should not just be users of technology; we must be its creators. The adoption of future technologies must be treated as a national mission. This is how India will ensure its strategic independence in a changing global order," he asserted.

Shri Rajnath Singh concluded by reaffirming the government's determination to transform India into a trusted global defence partner and a hub of innovation for the 21st century.

Presence of Senior Leadership

The meeting was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V. Kamat, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Defence. Directors and scientists of the ACE cluster laboratories were also present.

Toward a Self-Reliant and Secure India

The visit to ARDE, Pune, marks yet another milestone in India's journey toward technological sovereignty and defence preparedness. With cutting-edge research, indigenous design capabilities, and a whole-of-nation approach, India is steadily advancing toward its vision of becoming a global leader in defence innovation—a nation where science strengthens sovereignty and innovation secures the future.