Rajnath singh inaugurates solar defence facility, highlights evolving nature of warfare

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday emphasized that modern warfare has evolved far beyond traditional battlefields, involving new dimensions such as energy security, global trade, tariffs, supply chains, technology and information factors that directly affect ordinary citizens and national security. Addressing the inauguration of a state‑of‑the‑art medium‑calibre ammunition manufacturing facility at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) here, he said, “Wars are becoming very complex and their intensity is also increasing continuously. In such a scenario, the preparation for war should be on war footing.”

Singh highlighted that India is moving rapidly towards self‑reliance in defence production. “Earlier, there were challenges and doubts regarding private sector participation, but the government has introduced policy changes and simplified processes because we have full faith in the potential of our private industry,” he said. “It is also resulting in good quality products, better timelines, as well as improvement in productivity and delivery. Our defence ecosystem has improved a lot.”

Referring to India’s growing defence exports , Singh said, “India is moving fast towards becoming a major arms exporter. Today, private sector companies are not just producing munitions, but are ahead of the public sector in research and development.” He flagged off the first batch of guided Pinaka rockets for Armenia, stating, “The export of guided Pinaka rockets demonstrates India’s capability to supply advanced indigenous defence technology globally.”

On the importance of indigenous ammunition production , Singh remarked, “Shortages in ammunition supply were felt in the past, but the government has ensured self‑reliance in this sector. Our ambition is that India should become the global hub of ammunition production.” He praised Solar group’s contributions, saying, “The development of systems like the Nagastra drone used in Operation Sindoor and the Bhargavastra anti‑drone system reflects the technology-driven approach of the private sector, which is very laudable.”

Singh elaborated on the changing nature of war , adding, “Wars are now not limited to borders. Energy, trade, tariff, supply chains, technology and information have become new dimensions of conflict. Whatever be the form of war, the need of the hour is a strong defence industrial base, research and development, and production by the private sector. The government wants the contribution of the private sector in defence manufacturing to be at least 50 percent of production.”

He also highlighted India’s progress in defence production and exports: “Domestic defence production has risen from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to more than Rs 1.50 lakh crore now, of which private sector contribution is Rs 30,000 crore. Defence exports, which were just Rs 1,000 crore ten years ago, have now increased to Rs 25,000 crore. Our target is Rs 50,000 crore by 2029‑30.”

Singh concluded, “The private sector’s scientific temperament and technology-driven approach are very commendable. The country’s alertness on borders, weapons, hardware and defence industrial manufacturing has increased, and we must ensure that India remains fully prepared for all emerging forms of conflict.”

During his visit to Nagpur, Singh also met Union minister Nitin Gadkari , reflecting strong government focus on strengthening the national defence ecosystem.