India Eyes Global Leadership in Drone Manufacturing as Rajnath Singh Calls for ‘Mission Mode’ Push

In a strong signal of India's intent to dominate the future battlefield and defence manufacturing landscape, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for a "mission mode" approach to transform the country into a global hub for indigenous drone production.

Addressing a high-powered gathering at the National Defence Industries Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, the Defence Minister underscored that self-reliance in drones is no longer optional but a strategic necessity amid rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions.

Drones to Define Future Warfare

Highlighting lessons from ongoing global conflicts—including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia—Rajnath Singh emphasised that drones and counter-drone systems are emerging as decisive tools in modern warfare.

"India must not only manufacture drones but ensure that every component—from molds and engines to software and batteries—is developed domestically," he said, pointing to global supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly dependence on imports from China.

The call aligns with India's broader push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence, aiming to reduce import dependency while strengthening operational readiness.

Major Innovation Push: 200+ Defence Challenges Launched

In a major boost to defence innovation, the Raksha Mantri unveiled multiple initiatives under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework:

• DISC-14 (Defence India Start-up Challenge) and ADITI 4.0 launched

• 107 problem statements unveiled (82 under DISC-14, 25 under ADITI)

• 101 additional innovation challenges from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)

These challenges span critical domains identified by the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Defence Space Agency, creating opportunities for start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators to develop cutting-edge defence solutions.

Notably, DPSUs will fund, mentor, and integrate promising innovations into their supply chains—marking a shift toward design-led, industry-driven innovation.

iDEX Impact: From Ideas to Procurement Worth ₹3,800+ Crore

Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing success of the iDEX ecosystem:

• 676+ start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators onboarded since 2018

• 548 contracts signed

• 566 challenges launched

• 58 prototypes cleared for procurement worth ₹3,853 crore

• 45 procurement contracts signed worth ₹2,326 crore

"These figures show that innovation is no longer theoretical—it is translating into real capabilities for our Armed Forces," he said.

MSMEs at the Core of Defence Transformation

The Defence Minister stressed that MSMEs are increasingly driving innovation in critical technologies such as:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Robotics and Automation

• Additive Manufacturing

• Digital Twin technologies

He called for deeper horizontal and vertical integration:

• Horizontal: Collaboration among MSMEs across sectors

• Vertical: Partnerships with large industries and advanced tech domains

"Only when both forms of integration happen simultaneously can a robust innovation ecosystem emerge," he noted.

Government Backing: Budget Push and Policy Reforms

Reinforcing support for MSMEs, Rajnath Singh highlighted a three-pronged strategy in the Union Budget 2026 focusing on:

• Equity support

• Liquidity enhancement

• Professional capacity-building

He also pointed to systemic reforms such as:

• Udyam & Udyam Assist Portals for MSME formalisation

• Expansion of MSMEs from 4.67 crore (2012-13) to nearly 8 crore today

"This growth reflects India's rising entrepreneurial spirit and its increasing contribution to economic and industrial strength," he said.

Advanced Manufacturing Takes Centre Stage

The conclave, themed 'Advanced Manufacturing Technologies', showcased India's push toward Industry 4.0 adoption in defence.

Key technologies highlighted include:

• Artificial Intelligence and machine learning

• Smart materials and automation

• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)

• Simulation tools and Digital Twins

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar noted that 200 problem statements launched during the conclave will directly integrate MSMEs and innovators into the defence value chain—from design to manufacturing.

Reform Momentum: 'Year of Defence Reforms 2025'

The Ministry of Defence has accelerated reforms to strengthen domestic industry:

• Simplified approvals and regulatory processes

• Expanded access to DRDO and DPSU testing facilities

• Launch of 'Srijan Deep' database listing over 40,000 defence-related industries

These measures aim to boost R&D collaboration and ease of doing business in defence manufacturing.

Policy Roadmaps and AI Framework Released

During the event, five key publications were released, including:

• SAMARTHYA 2026 – roadmap for defence self-reliance

• Indian Defence Industry – Going Global – export opportunities

• SANKLAN – guide for MSMEs and defence firms

• MSME Integration Booklet – DPSU collaboration framework

• AI Maturity Assessment Model – roadmap for AI adoption

Industry Participation and Global Outlook

The conclave also featured a large-scale exhibition:

• 20 major defence companies showcasing MSME partnerships

• 24 Indian and international firms displaying advanced technologies

Top military and defence leadership—including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat—were present, underlining the event's strategic importance.

Towards Strategic Autonomy

Rajnath Singh concluded with a clear message: India's defence future hinges on innovation, integration, and indigenous capability.

"With sustained effort, dedication, and technological adoption, our start-ups and MSMEs will not only strengthen national security but also position India as a global defence manufacturing powerhouse," he said.