Government outlines initiatives to boost drone technology, defence exports, and adaptive warfare strategies India’s Drone Ambition Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s aspiration to become a global drone hub, emphasizing its role in bolstering the economy and furthering the “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue, themed “Adaptive Defence: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Modern Warfare,” at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Singh highlighted the government’s proactive measures to achieve this goal.
“We are already working to improve Research & Development through reliable certification mechanisms and Indian Intellectual Property creation in this sector. Additionally, we have also introduced rewards for innovation through the schemes of iDEX and ADITI,” said Singh.
Impact of Drone and Swarm Technologies
The Defence Minister elaborated on the transformative impact of drone and swarm technologies on modern warfare. “Drones and swarm technologies are bringing fundamental changes in the ways and means of warfare. The development has changed the post-World War II understanding of warfare completely,” he noted, adding that the traditional dimensions of warfare—land, air, and water—are increasingly overlapping due to these technological advances.
Boost in Defence Exports
Singh also highlighted India’s growing defence export capabilities, noting the nation’s progress in reaching over 100 countries. “Currently, India is already exporting defence items to over 100 nations, with the top three destinations for defence exports in 2023-24 being the USA, France, and Armenia. We hope to achieve the target of Rs 50,000 crore worth of defence exports by 2029,” he said.
Advancements in AI and Cyberspace Defence
India is also focusing on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyberspace defence. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has implemented AI frameworks and guidelines, with its laboratories developing AI features for defence products.
“The system laboratories of the DRDO have AI technology groups to introduce AI features in all products. There is an AI roadmap for each Defence Public Sector Undertaking,” Singh explained.
Adaptive Defence Strategies Against Information Warfare
Singh stressed the importance of adaptive strategies to combat information warfare threats to national security. “The Government of India is determined to employ adaptive defence strategies to counter the menace of information warfare against national security,” he stated. With India’s growing emphasis on cutting-edge technologies and global collaborations, the nation is poised to enhance its position as a leader in modern defence and security.
