Rajnath Singh talked to IAF soldiers in Shillong on the critical security threats faced by India and asked them to prepare themselves with technology to perform their role effectively. The Indian defence minister gave the example of Operation Sindoor on how India had prepared to tackle terrorism.
India is shifting towards self-reliance in unmanned warfare by developing advanced drones and a 150-kg loitering munition powered by an indigenous Wankel rotary engine. This initiative aims to eliminate dependence on foreign propulsion systems, enhancing surveillance and engagement capabilities, while fostering collaboration between public and private sectors for national security projects.
The introduction of the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category aimed to promote self-reliance in India’s defense sector. However, a decade later, urgency in procurement, spurred by mechanisms like Emergency Procurement, has diluted original intentions, favoring imports over innovation. Reforms are necessary to ensure genuine support for indigenous defense firms and maintain strategic autonomy.
