Research, Innovation Key to Future Warfare Preparedness: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, May 4: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday underscored the need for sustained research, innovation and strategic surprise to keep India future-ready amid rapidly evolving warfare technologies.

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj, Rajnath Singh said nations that adapt swiftly to technological revolutions will gain a decisive edge in future conflicts.

“In today’s era of rapid technological transformation, there is no substitute for research. The future of warfare is being shaped inside laboratories,” he said.

Highlighting lessons from global conflicts, he referred to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting how warfare has rapidly shifted from conventional tanks and missiles to drones, sensors and advanced surveillance systems within a short span.

He also pointed to unconventional threats, including recent pager attacks in the Middle East, saying even everyday objects can now be weaponised, requiring constant preparedness and adaptability.

The Defence Minister said the government has placed defence research at the centre of national priorities through Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while increasing collaboration with private industry, academia and startups.

He said 25 per cent of the defence R&D budget has been earmarked for industry, academia and startups, with over ₹4,500 crore already utilised. A new technology transfer policy has also waived earlier fees for production and development partners, enabling DRDO to transfer more than 2,200 technologies to industries.

Rajnath Singh called on industries to accelerate innovation in emerging domains such as directed energy weapons, hypersonic systems, underwater and space technologies, quantum computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Describing Operation Sindoor as evidence of India’s preparedness for evolving warfare, he said indigenous systems including Akash missile platforms and BrahMos demonstrated the country’s technological confidence and operational capability.

Highlighting progress in self-reliance, he said India’s domestic defence production reached a record ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, while defence exports touched an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore.

The symposium, themed Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge, brought together defence personnel, industry leaders, startups, innovators and academia to discuss indigenous solutions to operational challenges and future military technologies.