September 18, 2026 10:58 PM

Rajnath Singh Calls for Greater Public-Private Synergy to Build Next-Gen Indigenous Aerospace Capabilities

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the development of next-generation indigenous aerospace capabilities, asserting that the two sectors must work as collaborators rather than competitors to make India self-reliant and globally competitive in the field. He made the remarks in Bengaluru after Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Final Operational Clearance ...

August 25, 2026 5:00 PM

Rajnath Singh approves transfer of DRDO missile technologies to Indian defence industry

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technology (ToT) for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to Indian defence industries for indigenous production, in a move aimed at strengthening the country's defence manufacturing capabilities. The initiative is being seen as a significant step towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence, as it will enable eligible domestic companies to manufacture DRDO-developed miss...

June 17, 2026 5:28 PM

The defence decade: How India built military strength, industrial power and global strategic influence

Over the last twelve years, India has undertaken one of the most ambitious defence transformations in its modern history. What began as a determined push to reduce dependence on imported weapons and military systems has evolved into a broad national effort to build indigenous capability, strengthen military preparedness, expand industrial capacity, and establish India as a credible security partner on the global stage. Between 2014 and 2026, the country's defence landscape witnessed sweeping ch...

June 17, 2026 2:03 PM

India’s defence production hits record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY26, Rajnath Singh hails milestone

India's defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), defence production registered a 15.6 per cent increase over the previous fiscal year's output of ₹1.54 lakh crore. The growth has been even more pronounced over the longer term, with production rising b...

January 18, 2026 8:05 PM

Rajnath Singh inaugurates ammunition facility in Nagpur, reiterates push for Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reaffirmed the Union government’s commitment to achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in ammunition manufacturing and positioning India as a global production hub for defence equipment. He said the government aims to significantly expand the role of the private sector in defence manufacturing, with a target of 50 per cent or more participation in the near future. The Defence Minister was speaking after inaugurating a Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufa...

December 29, 2025 12:57 PM

India’s defence breakthrough in 2025: A year of manufacturing muscle and technological confidence

The year 2025 will be remembered as a defining chapter in India’s defence journey, when long-term policy intent translated decisively into manufacturing strength and technological confidence. From record-breaking production figures and surging exports to deeper private sector participation and rapid advances in defence technology, India’s push for Atmanirbharta in defence gathered unprecedented momentum during the year. Record Production Signals Industrial Maturity One of the most striking...

November 18, 2025 10:13 PM

India Showcases Defence Manufacturing Opportunities at Dubai Airshow 2025 Roundtable

India convened an industry roundtable on defence technology collaboration and manufacturing at the Dubai Airshow 2025, bringing together representatives from around 50 companies across India, the UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and Italy. The session was chaired by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and attended by Ambassador of India to the UAE Deepak Mittal and Joint Secretary (Defence Production) Amit Satija. The roundtable focused on expanding joint defe...

October 7, 2025 5:01 PM

Defence and security a collective responsibility, says Rajnath Singh; calls on states to boost defence manufacturing

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasised that defence and security are the collective responsibility of the entire nation, urging states and union territories to become active partners in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Conference on “Opportunities of Defence Manufacturing in the Country” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, he said, “Strengthening the defence sector is not just the duty of one institution or governm...

September 25, 2025 3:09 PM

Defence ministry signs ₹62,370 crore deal with HAL for fighter aircraft

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday signed a contract worth over ₹62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The order includes 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seater aircraft, along with associated equipment. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027–28 and will be completed over a period of six years. According to the ministry, the aircraft will have an indigenous content of more than ...

April 2, 2025 4:59 PM

Govt pushes for defence indigenisation with naval engine development

In a major step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy has signed a Project Sanction Order with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited for the design and development of a 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine. The agreement, signed under the Make-I category, marks a significant milestone in India’s push for indigenous defence production. The initiative will see the prototype diesel engine developed with over 50% indigenous content at a cost of Rs 270 crore, with 70% of the fun...