Rajnath Singh calls for mission-mode push to make India global drone manufacturing hub by 2030

Calling for self-reliance in drone technology, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (March 19, 2026) urged industry stakeholders to work in mission mode to establish India as a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing by 2030.

Addressing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, innovators and policymakers at the National Defence Industries Conclave held at Manekshaw Centre, Mr. Singh noted that true self-reliance goes beyond assembling drones and must extend to manufacturing critical components domestically.

“From moulds to software, engines and batteries, everything must be produced in India,” he said, highlighting that many countries still rely heavily on imports, particularly from China, for key drone components.

Citing ongoing global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions between Iran and Israel, the Defence Minister said these developments have established drones and counter-drone systems as decisive tools in modern warfare.

He stressed that building a robust domestic drone ecosystem was critical to ensuring strategic autonomy and strengthening defence preparedness amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Mr. Singh also highlighted the importance of collaboration across large industries, MSMEs, start-ups and innovators, supported by a clear and focused government policy framework aligned with national security needs. He assured full support from the government led by Narendra Modi to accelerate this transformation.

During the event, Mr. Singh launched the 14th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC-14) and the fourth edition of ADITI challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework. A total of 107 problem statements were unveiled to promote innovation across defence domains.

Emphasising the evolving industrial landscape, Mr. Singh noted that MSMEs are increasingly engaging with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Automation and advanced manufacturing. He also highlighted the growing relevance of digital twin technology and advanced simulations in improving decision-making and understanding complex defence systems.

He called upon start-ups and MSMEs to integrate these technologies to maximise efficiency and drive innovation in India’s defence sector.

“In the contemporary landscape, innovations such as Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Additive Manufacturing are reshaping the global manufacturing sector. Furthermore, technologies like ‘Digital Twins’ and advanced simulation tools are unlocking a host of new possibilities. A ‘Digital Twin’ essentially involves creating a virtual model of a real-world system. Such technologies empower us to better comprehend complex systems and facilitate more informed decision-making,” he said.