Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday announced the government's plans for a military upgrade, saying India's forces cannot afford to be dependent on foreign supplies in present times.
Singh, in his address at a conclave, said that the government would provide complete aerial security to all important installations in the country over the next ten years under the proposed Sudarshan Chakra air defence system. He said that the system would involve both offensive and defensive elements, in order to deal with security threats, according to PTI.
The Defence Minister was in Noida for the inauguration of a private aero engine test facility. He said that the Raphe mPhibr Pvt Ltd's defence equipment and engine-testing facility was a “strong reflection of aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Singh said that India would develop a powerful indigenous aero-engine, adding that preparations for the project were almost over, and the execution would begin soon.
He also spoke about the 'Sudarshan Chakra', calling the initiative “game-changing” for India's future security.
Drones critical to modern warfare, must be included in war policy: Rajnath Singh
Singh said that drones had become critical to modern warfare strategy in present times, stressing that they must be incorporated into India's war policy as well, PTI reported.
“Generally, when we hear the word 'aircraft', images of Tejas, Rafale and fighter jets come to mind. This is natural, as these are all combat aircraft,” Singh said. However, he added that in today's changing times, drones had emerged as a “significant force” in the field.
The Defence Minister cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying that the drones continue to play a decisive role in it, with both sides deploying them extensively. “If you closely observe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, you will notice that drones have been used extensively - earlier, now, and continuously,” PTI quoted the Defence Minister as saying.
{{/usCountry}}The Defence Minister cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying that the drones continue to play a decisive role in it, with both sides deploying them extensively. “If you closely observe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, you will notice that drones have been used extensively - earlier, now, and continuously,” PTI quoted the Defence Minister as saying.
{{/usCountry}}He added that this brings forth the significance of understanding the importance of drones, and how incorporating them into India's war policy had become essential.
Countries which invested in drone technology have significant edge, says Defence Minister
Singh also delved into the history of drones, recalling how they had earlier been used only for surveillance and reconnaissance.
He said that later, some countries had started developing drones designed for combat, with many nations deploying these for their border conflicts.
Singh said that the countries which had invested in drone technology had succeeded in gaining a significant edge in the field of combat, while the others had been left behind.
He said that India, which had to import drones earlier, had now begun “designing, developing, and manufacturing them domestically."
“From my six to six-and-a-half years of experience (as defence minister), I can say that the reality of today’s defence sector rests on aircraft technology and drones,” he said. Singh further praised the efforts of the entrepreneurs who were contributing to the progress of drone technology in the country.