- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), part of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, marking another milestone in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance and technological excellence.
- The Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its remarkable contribution to strengthening India’s national security and strategic capabilities.
A Major Boost to Indigenous Defence Capabilities
- The newly inaugurated facility symbolizes India’s commitment to becoming more capable, vigilant and self-reliant in tackling emerging security challenges.
- The systems developed by DRDO, such as Akash and BrahMos, proved that India possesses the capability to compete in the global defence technology ecosystem.
- According to the Defence Minister, strength is essential for peace and self-reliance remains the strongest pillar of national security.
Operation Sindoor Showcased India’s Missile Strength
- Rajnath Singh highlighted the successful performance of indigenous missile systems during Operation Sindoor, calling it evidence of India’s growing defence research and development capabilities.
- Systems such as Akash Air Defence System, BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile, Indigenous missile and air defence platforms.
- demonstrated India’s ability to develop world-class defence technologies.
- The Defence Minister noted that India’s air defence network successfully neutralized aerial threats and thwarted enemy intentions during the operation.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India’s Multi-Layer Missile Defence Shield
One of the major highlights of Rajnath Singh’s address was his emphasis on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a flagship initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech in 2025.
According to Rajnath Singh, the mission aims to create a comprehensive multi-layer missile defence system for India.
The proposed system will:
- Protect military installations
- Safeguard critical infrastructure
- Defend civilian infrastructure and key establishments
- Provide three-layered missile protection
- Deliver rapid and decisive counter-strikes when necessary
He described the project as a “robust protective shield” designed to secure assets of national importance.
DRDO’s Growing Role in Defence Innovation
Rajnath Singh commended DRDO for not only responding to current technological challenges but also anticipating future defence requirements.
He noted that the organisation has achieved several milestones in recent years, particularly in:
- Indigenous missile technologies
- Strategic weapon systems
- Tactical weapon programmes
- Air defence technologies
- Advanced defence research
These achievements, he said, reflect India’s increasing self-confidence and growing strategic capabilities.
From Innovation to Mass Production
- The Defence Minister stressed that technological breakthroughs alone are insufficient unless they are backed by large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
- He urged DRDO, the armed forces, private industry, start-ups, MSMEs and academia to work together as an integrated ecosystem to accelerate the transition from research to production.
He called for:
- Shorter development-to-production cycles
- Simplified manufacturing processes
- Higher indigenous content
- Rapid mass production capabilities
- Faster induction of defence systems into the armed forces
Government Push for Aatmanirbhar Defence
The Government has taken several initiatives over the past 12 years to promote defence research and development under the visions of:
- Make in India
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat
He praised the growing collaboration between DRDO laboratories, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, MSMEs, start-ups and academic institutions.
“This collaborative model will accelerate India’s journey from innovation to production and from production to operational capability,” he said.
Technical Exhibition Showcases Indigenous Technologies
During his visit, the Defence Minister also toured a technical exhibition featuring:
- Advanced weapon systems
- Indigenous missile platforms
- Strategic defence technologies
- Emerging military innovations
Senior DRDO officials, including Director General (Missile & Strategic Systems) U Raja Babu and DRDL Director Dr Ankathi Raju, were present at the event.
Conclusion
- The inauguration of the Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDL Hyderabad marks another significant step in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology.
- With initiatives such as Mission Sudarshan Chakra and continued investments in indigenous R&D, India aims to strengthen its strategic capabilities and establish itself as a leading defence technology power in the years ahead.