By N. C. Bipindra New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen India’s air and maritime combat capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on February 12, 2026, approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately INR 360,000 crore. The high-value clearances include the procurement […]
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Air Force’s successful execution of Operation Sindoor at the Air Force Commanders’ Conclave, highlighting its technological advancements and strategic confidence. He emphasized air power’s pivotal role in modern warfare, the need for innovative defence solutions, and the importance of joint operations among military branches.
India and Indonesia reinforced their defence and strategic partnership on November 27, 2025, focusing on Indo-Pacific security. Both nations pledged to enhance military collaboration, technology transfer, and maritime security. The dialogue, influenced by recent high-level visits, aims to address regional tensions and promote stability while deepening bilateral cooperation in various domains, including Scorpene submarine building.
India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, emphasized at the Delhi Defence Dialogue on Nov. 11, 2025, that “Operation Sindoor” exemplifies modern warfare’s reliance on technological superiority. He called for rapid adaptation to evolving battlefields, highlighting AI, unmanned systems, and data integration as critical for future military success.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2025, urged India to evolve from a technology consumer to an innovator, advocating for a self-reliant, collaborative defence ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of indigenous technology, digital sovereignty, and transparency in procurement to position India as a leader in defence innovation, fostering a culture of collaboration.
India’s defence production reached a record INR 151,000 crore (USD 17 billion) for 2024-25, driven mainly by state-run industries. Defence exports rose to INR 6,695 crore (USD 755 million). New initiatives and collaborations aim to enhance self-reliance and sustainability, positioning India as a future global defence manufacturing hub.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will assess the performance of 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) on November 10, 2025, as part of a push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The review includes plans to double R&D investments, promote innovation, and enhance export capabilities to position DPSUs globally.
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.
On October 31, 2025, India and the United States signed a pivotal 10-year defence cooperation framework, enhancing military ties significantly. The agreement, signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, aims to address regional security challenges and strengthen collaborations in defence technology and joint exercises.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh introduced the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 on Oct. 23, aimed at streamlining defence acquisition and enhancing self-reliance. Effective from Nov. 1, DPM 2025 introduces significant reforms, such as relaxed penalties for delays and assured orders for indigenous development, promoting efficiency and innovation in the defence sector.
The Defence Acquisition Council of India approved proposals worth INR 79,000 crore to enhance the military’s capabilities. Key acquisitions include advanced missile systems, electronic intelligence platforms for the Army, amphibious warships, and autonomous strike systems for the Air Force, emphasizing self-reliance in defense production and modernizing forces across all branches.
India’s HAL facility in Nashik has shifted focus to indigenous military aviation, modernizing to produce the LCA Mk1A and HTT-40 trainers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked a historic milestone with the LCA’s first flight. While production capacity is set to increase, concerns remain over timely delivery and meeting IAF’s fighter requirements.
On October 18, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant in Lucknow as a major step towards India’s technological sovereignty in defence. The facility enhances self-reliance in strategic materials and is expected to boost employment and attract industries, marking a significant advancement in India’s defence capabilities.
On October 18, 2025, India launched its first batch of BrahMos missiles from Lucknow, marking a key milestone in defense self-reliance. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the project’s alignment with the ‘Make in India’ vision, enhancing national security and creating jobs in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
India has successfully test-fired the Nag Mk II Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from its new Light Tank, marking a significant achievement towards self-reliance in defense technology. The missile hit a target five kilometers away, showcasing India’s advanced capabilities in armored warfare and readiness against threats along its western borders.
