India is striving to establish itself as a global leader in drone technology, a move expected to invigorate the Indian economy while advancing the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat agendas, according to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. During the Delhi Defence Dialogue at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, Singh highlighted multiple initiatives designed to position India at the forefront of the drone sector. These include bolstering Research and Development, creating robust certification processes, encouraging Indian intellectual property development, and rewarding innovative efforts through schemes like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Atal Defence Technology and Innovation (ADITI).
Singh underscored the transformational role of drones and swarm technology in modern warfare, emphasizing how these advancements are redefining traditional warfare strategies on land, in the air, and at sea. The Minister also noted the rise in India’s defense exports, with Indian-made defense products now reaching over 100 countries, including the USA, France, and Armenia. India aims to increase its defense exports to reach $5.93 billion by 2029. He also reiterated India’s commitment to leadership in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has established frameworks for integrating artificial intelligence, aiming to implement AI across all Defence Public Sector Undertakings.
The Delhi Defence Dialogue serves as a vital platform for examining shifting security dynamics and encouraging cooperation among defense leaders, policy experts, and military personnel.
