New Delhi:- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the 'National Defence Industry Summit' held in Delhi. On this occasion, he launched the 14th edition of 'Defence India Start-up Challenge'. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Today, the 14th edition of 'Defence India Start-up Challenge' has been launched, which has more than 100 challenges. Given the success of DISC so far, for the first time more than 100 challenges are being presented by our defence public sector undertakings. I extend my best wishes to all the innovators for this new edition of DISC."
The Defence Minister remarked that the main objective of this conference is to integrate small industries into the defence manufacturing supply chain. He stressed that the pace of innovation and technological advancement within the country will accelerate only when small industries become an integral part of major defence programmes. In strengthening the defence apparatus of any country, the role played by large industries as well as MSMEs, startups and innovators is very important. Clear government policies also play an important role in smoothening this process.
Speaking on the current global geopolitical scenario, Rajnath Singh cited the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Iran and Israel as examples. He said that the entire world is currently witnessing these conflicts. These events have made it clear that drones and anti-drone technologies are poised to play a significant role in future warfare. Therefore, India should create an ecosystem in the field of drone manufacturing that ensures complete self-reliance.
He clarified that this self-reliance should not be limited to the final product alone; Rather, we should manufacture every single part of the drone in India. The drone's airframe (mold), software, engine and battery - everything should be indigenously manufactured. The Defence Minister admitted that this is not an easy task, noting that today, many countries around the world import essential components for drone manufacturing from China. However, for India's security and strategic strength, we must become completely self-reliant in drone manufacturing.