Raksha Mantri Calls For Strong Research Push And Innovation Edge In Future Warfare

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has underlined the need for sustained research, innovation, and the element of surprise to ensure India remains future-ready in an era of rapidly evolving technology-driven warfare.

Addressing defence personnel, industry leaders, start-ups, innovators, and academia at the North Tech Symposium organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands along with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers in Prayagraj, he said that the nature of war is changing at an unprecedented pace and nations that adapt fastest to technological shifts will hold the decisive advantage in future conflicts.

He pointed out that modern warfare is increasingly shaped by emerging technologies such as drones, sensors, artificial intelligence, and electronic systems , citing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example of how battlefields have transformed within a short span of years. He also referred to recent incidents that highlight evolving threats, stating that even everyday technologies can be converted into tools of warfare.

The Raksha Mantri stressed the importance of maintaining the “surprise element” , explaining that future wars will be influenced by the ability to act in ways that are unpredictable, fast, and difficult for adversaries to respond to . This includes the use of new technologies, rapid decision-making systems, and multi-domain operations spanning land, air, sea, cyber, and space.

He emphasised that surprise is no longer limited to battlefield timing alone but also includes technological superiority, cyber capabilities, and psychological impact , which can disrupt enemy planning and decision-making.

Highlighting India’s defence preparedness, Shri Rajnath Singh said that defence research has been placed at the centre of government priorities , with DRDO actively collaborating with industry, academia, and start-ups. He noted that more than 2,200 technologies have already been transferred to industry , and a significant portion of the R&D budget is being utilised by private sector partners.

He also stressed the importance of advancing work in hypersonic weapons, directed energy systems, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, underwater and space domains , calling them critical to future military strength.

Referring to Operation Sindoor , he said it demonstrated India’s growing technological capabilities and confidence in indigenous systems, including advanced missile platforms.

Shri Rajnath Singh further highlighted that India’s defence production has reached a record ₹1.54 lakh crore , while exports have touched an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore , reflecting the growing strength of the domestic defence ecosystem.

He urged all stakeholders to work together under a shared vision of innovation, suggesting the creation of a knowledge corridor to strengthen collaboration. He concluded that India must aim to become one of the most formidable military powers through self-reliance, innovation, and continuous technological advancement.