From Operation Sindoor to drone warfare, Artificial Intelligence and space security, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh speaks to Greater Kashmir National Editor Surinder Singh Oberoi in an exclusive interview on India’s military preparedness, evolving defence capabilities, and the challenges of future warfare.
Q:
India has made progress under the Make in India initiative in defence production. Where does India stand today in terms of self-reliance in manufacturing modern weapons, ammunition, aircraft, warships and advanced defence systems?
A:
India has made substantial progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Our approach is to progressively transform India from a major importer of defence equipment into a country capable of designing, developing and manufacturing modern defence platforms and technologies.
Today, India has developed significant indigenous capabilities across a wide spectrum of defence manufacturing including missiles, artillery systems, ammunition, radars, electronic warfare systems, naval platforms, armoured vehicles, helicopters and combat aircraft.
This transformation is not limited to the assembly of equipment. There is a growing emphasis on indigenous design, development, critical components, propulsion systems, sensors, electronics and advanced materials. The participation of the private sector, MSMEs, start-ups, defence research institutions and established public-sector defence enterprises has further strengthened this ecosystem.
There has been progress across major defence sectors.
In the weapons and ammunition sector, India has expanded indigenous production of artillery guns, rockets, missiles, small arms, ammunition and armoured platforms. The indigenous ammunition ecosystem has also strengthened considerably. The Indian Army has achieved approximately 91 percent self-sufficiency across 159 of its 175 ammunition variants.
In the aircraft and helicopter sector, India has developed the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. Indigenous programmes are also progressing in transport aviation, engines, avionics and airborne systems. However, certain critical technologies, particularly aero-engines, remain areas of import dependence.
In the warships and submarines sector, India has made considerable progress in indigenous naval shipbuilding including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes and offshore patrol vessels. The commissioning of INS Vikrant demonstrated the country’s ability to design and construct a major aircraft carrier domestically. However, submarine technology, propulsion, specialised sensors and certain weapon systems remain areas requiring further development.
In the missiles and advanced defence systems sector, India has developed substantial indigenous capabilities in ballistic and cruise missiles, air defence systems, radars, electronic warfare, surveillance and command-and-control systems. Systems such as Akash, BrahMos (through Indo-Russian collaboration), Pinaka and various indigenous radar systems demonstrate this progress. Advanced technologies such as high-performance engines, specialised semiconductors, certain seekers and sensors and sophisticated electronic components remain important areas of focus.
Q:
How much of our defence equipment is still imported?
A:
As per the Government of India’s published figures, approximately 65 percent of India’s defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, compared with an earlier import dependence of approximately 65-70 percent. This represents a significant structural change in the defence manufacturing ecosystem. However, it is important to distinguish between domestic manufacturing and complete technological self-reliance. A platform may be manufactured in India while still incorporating imported engines, electronic components, sensors, specialised materials or other critical sub-systems.
About the scale of India’s defence manufacturing growth, the growth in the domestic defence industrial base is reflected in these indicators and latest reported achievements.
India’s defence sector has recorded significant growth, with defence production reaching Rs 1.78 lakh crore and defence exports amounting to Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. Approximately 65 percent of defence equipment is now domestically produced, reflecting the country’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious targets of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, aimed at strengthening India’s domestic defence industrial base and enhancing its position in the global defence market.
About the way forward, our objective is not merely to manufacture more defence equipment domestically, but to achieve technological sovereignty in critical areas. The next phase of Atmanirbharta will focus on indigenous development of aero-engines, marine propulsion and advanced power systems; reduction of dependence on imported semiconductors, sensors, seekers and electronic components; strengthening indigenous research and development in artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, autonomous systems, space-based assets and directed-energy weapons; greater involvement of the private sector, start-ups, MSMEs and academia; and strengthening domestic supply chains, maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities and lifecycle support.
Our approach is pragmatic and capability-driven. We will continue to leverage international partnerships, joint ventures and technology transfers wherever necessary, while progressively developing indigenous alternatives.
Q: India has achieved major growth in domestic defence production. How close are we to genuine self-reliance and what are the three biggest gaps that need to be addressed?
A: India has made considerable progress towards defence self-reliance and the transformation of our defence industrial ecosystem over the past decade has been significant. We are no longer merely a buyer of defence equipment; we are increasingly becoming a designer, developer, manufacturer and exporter of defence systems. However, genuine self-reliance must be understood in its entirety. It does not simply mean assembling a weapon system or platform in India. It means possessing the ability to design, manufacture, upgrade, maintain and sustain that system independently, including its critical components, technologies and supply chains. I would therefore say that India has made substantial progress in manufacturing capabilities, but complete technological self-reliance remains a work in progress. There are three major areas that require focused attention.
The three biggest gaps are critical technologies and strategic components. The first and perhaps most important gap is our dependence on foreign sources for certain critical technologies and sub-systems.
While India has developed considerable capabilities in designing and manufacturing platforms, we still need to strengthen indigenous capabilities in advanced aero-engines and marine propulsion systems; high-end semiconductors, microelectronics and electronic warfare components; advanced sensors, radar systems, missile seekers and precision guidance; specialised materials, turbine technologies and high-performance power systems.
For example, an aircraft may be manufactured in India, but dependence on a foreign engine can affect production schedules, maintenance and operational availability. We must therefore move from indigenous platform manufacturing towards indigenous control over critical technologies.
The second major gap is the need to strengthen our research and development ecosystem. Defence technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber warfare, quantum technologies, hypersonics and directed-energy weapons. We need to bridge the gap between laboratory research and operational deployment. This requires greater investment in basic and applied defence research; stronger collaboration between DRDO, armed forces, academia, start-ups and private industry; greater access to testing, evaluation and certification infrastructure; and encouragement of indigenous intellectual property and technology ownership. The objective should be to develop technologies in India rather than remain dependent on technology transfers from abroad.
The third gap relates to the scale, capacity and resilience of our defence manufacturing ecosystem. We need to ensure that domestic manufacturers can produce sophisticated equipment in adequate quantities, maintain consistent quality and deliver within stipulated timelines.
This calls for greater participation of the private sector, MSMEs and start-ups; development of indigenous component and sub-component manufacturing; assured long-term procurement orders to encourage investment; stronger quality assurance, testing and certification mechanisms; and development of domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
We must also ensure that our supply chains remain resilient during geopolitical tensions or international disruptions.
The way ahead is that the government is already taking several steps in this direction. Defence production reached Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, while defence exports reached a record Rs 38,424 crore. Nearly 65 percent of defence equipment is now produced domestically, reflecting a significant change in India’s manufacturing capabilities.
The next phase must focus on moving beyond import substitution towards indigenous design, innovation and technological ownership.
We will continue to pursue international defence partnerships, joint development and technology collaboration, but these partnerships must also help build enduring capabilities within India.
Q: Could you give us a figure of how much we export weapons every year and to how many countries?
A: Defence exports have risen from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, registering growth of 62.66 percent. Indian defence products now reach more than 80 countries through 145 exporters. The private sector contributed Rs 17,353 crore, while DPSU exports rose substantially to Rs 21,071 crore. This growth increasingly reflects the emergence of Indian designed and developed systems in international markets, with BrahMos missiles, the AKASH missile system and PINAKA rockets and launchers among the major platforms being exported. The significance is not simply the value of exports. International customers increasingly provide a market based test of the quality, reliability, cost competitiveness and technological maturity of Indian products.
Q: The first batch of Agniveers is completing its four-year tenure. What concrete employment and rehabilitation arrangements are in place for those who will not be absorbed into regular military service?
A: The government has undertaken a significant revision of the Agnipath Scheme to provide greater career continuity and enhanced opportunities for Agniveers within the Armed Forces.
Under the revised arrangement approved by the Union Cabinet on 4 November 2026, the existing provision for enrolment of 25 percent of Agniveers into the regular Armed Forces on merit after completion of their initial four-year tenure will continue. The remaining 75 percent will now be offered an additional engagement period of two years, subject to their willingness. On completion of this extended engagement period, willing Agniveers will be offered an opportunity for enrolment as regular soldiers, subject to fulfilment of prescribed selection criteria.
The additional two-year engagement will carry higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits. This provides Agniveers with an extended opportunity to continue their military careers and a further pathway towards regular service. For those who eventually transition to civilian life, the Seva Nidhi financial package, recognition and certification of skills acquired during military service and facilitation of self-employment opportunities will support their rehabilitation and reintegration into the civilian workforce.
Overall, the revised framework represents a significant strengthening of the Agnipath Scheme, providing Agniveers with enhanced opportunities for continued military service, improved financial benefits and better career prospects. It also ensures that the discipline, skills, technical competencies and operational experience acquired during their service are effectively harnessed, enabling them to emerge as a highly trained and productive human resource for the nation, whether in the armed forces or in civilian life.
Q: What did Operation Sindoor reveal about India’s military strengths and vulnerabilities?
A: Operation Sindoor was an important demonstration of India’s evolving military capabilities and provided valuable operational lessons for future preparedness. It demonstrated the effectiveness of tri-Service coordination, intelligence-led operations, precision engagement, indigenous weapon systems and a multi-layered air defence architecture.
At the same time, it provided an opportunity to assess capability gaps in the context of emerging forms of warfare, particularly electronic warfare, counter-unmanned systems, military-grade drones capable of operating in contested environments and low-level radar capabilities.
The experience has reinforced the importance of technological superiority, operational integration, indigenous capability development and a responsive defence industrial ecosystem. The larger takeaway is that military preparedness must remain a continuous process of capability assessment, adaptation and modernisation to address the evolving character of warfare.
Q: What specific changes have been made in operational planning, weapon systems and military preparedness since the operation?
A: Operation Sindoor has reinforced the ongoing transformation of the Armed Forces towards an integrated, technology-driven and multi-domain operational framework. Greater emphasis is being placed on joint operational planning, interoperability, real-time intelligence and surveillance, precision capabilities and strengthening of layered air defence.
Capability development and procurement have been further aligned with emerging operational requirements, with particular focus on unmanned and counter-unmanned systems, electronic warfare, precision ammunition, advanced surveillance and secure communications. Emergency procurement provisions have also been leveraged to address immediate operational requirements.
A key priority is strengthening Aatmanirbharta and technology sovereignty through indigenous design, development and manufacturing, particularly in critical and niche technologies. Greater collaboration among the Armed Forces, DRDO, academia, start-ups and the domestic defence industry is being encouraged to reduce critical technology dependencies and strengthen the indigenous defence ecosystem.
The overarching approach is to institutionalise operational lessons, accelerate capability development and build a technologically resilient, integrated and future-ready force with the capacity to respond effectively across the spectrum of conflict.
Q: Are India’s Armed Forces prepared for a hybrid conflict involving drones, cyberattacks, electronic warfare, satellite disruption and conventional military operations simultaneously?
A: Indian armed forces have recognised the changing character of warfare, wherein future conflicts are likely to involve the simultaneous employment of conventional military capabilities alongside cyberattacks, electronic warfare, drone operations, disruption of space-based assets and information warfare. Accordingly, the Armed Forces are progressively developing capabilities to address these emerging challenges through joint doctrines, technological modernisation, indigenous defence development and enhanced inter-service coordination. Initiatives such as the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations, multi-domain warfare exercises, counter-drone systems and measures for electromagnetic spectrum management reflect this evolving approach.
While significant progress is being made, the focus is now on translating individual capabilities into an integrated multi-domain operational framework. This would require greater jointness among the three Services, resilient command and communication networks, strengthened cyber and space capabilities, advanced electronic warfare systems, effective counter-drone measures and wider adoption of artificial intelligence. Equally important is the development of indigenous technologies and continuous training to ensure operational effectiveness in contested environments. India is steadily transitioning towards preparedness for hybrid and multi-domain warfare; the ultimate objective must be to ensure that the Armed Forces can sustain effective operations even when conventional military engagements are accompanied by simultaneous disruptions across cyber, space, electronic and information domains.
Q: India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047. What kind of military does the country need to build by then looking into fast changing technology and AI?
A: As India progresses towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, our defence preparedness must evolve in line with emerging geopolitical realities and rapid technological advancements. Our objective should be to develop a modern, integrated, technologically superior and self-reliant military capable of safeguarding India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and strategic interests. The future armed forces must operate seamlessly across land, air, maritime, space and cyber domains, leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced surveillance, secure communications, robotics and unmanned systems to enhance operational effectiveness and decision-making.
A key priority must be to strengthen India’s indigenous defence ecosystem through sustained investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, advanced propulsion, robotics, electronic warfare, cyber capabilities and space technology. Greater collaboration between the armed forces, DRDO, academia, startups and the private sector will be essential to accelerate innovation and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. Equally important will be the development of a highly skilled military workforce equipped to operate and manage next-generation technologies, while retaining the core values of leadership, discipline, courage and operational excellence.
India’s military vision for 2047 must rest on four fundamental pillars: technological superiority, joint operational integration, strategic self-reliance and credible deterrence. Our endeavour should not merely be to build a larger military, but to create a smarter, more agile, resilient and future-ready force that can anticipate emerging threats, adapt to technological disruptions and safeguard India’s national interests. A strong and technologically empowered military will be an essential pillar of India’s emergence as a developed nation and a responsible global power.
Q: Are we investing sufficiently today in the technologies, research and capabilities that will determine the outcome of future conflicts?
A: India has significantly increased its investment in defence research, development and modernisation. However, the nature of future warfare demands sustained investment, faster innovation and closer collaboration between the Armed Forces, DRDO, industry, start-ups and academia.
Our focus is on developing critical and emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, cyber defence, electronic warfare, hypersonic systems and advanced sensors. Initiatives such as iDEX and ADITI are encouraging indigenous innovation and enabling start-ups to contribute to defence technology.
The objective is not merely to acquire advanced technology but to develop the capability to design, manufacture and continuously upgrade it indigenously. We must ensure that our Armed Forces remain technologically ahead, agile and prepared for the challenges of future warfare.
Q: With space becoming an important military domain, where do we stand with the Space Force? How will India protect its satellites and space-based military infrastructure in a future conflict?
A: Space has emerged as a critical domain for national security, providing essential capabilities for communication, navigation, surveillance, intelligence and precision operations. India has recognised its strategic importance and established the Defence Space Agency to coordinate the space-related requirements and capabilities of the three Services.
Our approach is focused on strengthening space situational awareness, protecting critical space assets, developing indigenous satellite capabilities and ensuring the resilience of space-based communication and navigation systems. Initiatives such as the Defence Space Agency’s Exercise Antariksha Abhyas reflect our commitment to enhancing preparedness in this domain.
We are also strengthening collaboration between the Armed Forces, ISRO, DRDO and the private sector to develop indigenous technologies for satellite tracking, threat detection and space asset protection. Our priority is to ensure that India’s space-based military infrastructure remains secure, resilient and capable of supporting operations under all circumstances.
