Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said military modernisation driven by a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector is the government’s top priority, asserting that India’s defence industry has undergone a major transformation over the past 12 years.
Addressing soldiers through Akashvani on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Singh said initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India have enabled India to increasingly meet its own security requirements while emerging as a global defence manufacturing hub and a net defence exporter.
Defence production rises nearly four-fold
Singh said India’s domestic defence production has risen from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, nearly a four-fold increase over the past decade.
Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other public sector entities accounted for around 76 per cent of total defence production, while the private sector’s contribution rose to 24 per cent from 22 per cent in the previous financial year, he said.
The Defence Minister described the growing participation of private industry as a sign of an improving business environment in the sector.
Defence exports have also witnessed a sharp rise, increasing from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, an increase of more than 5,500 per cent, Singh said.
India now has 145 defence exporters, with its defence products being exported to more than 80 countries. Singh expressed confidence that the country would achieve its target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Defence budget, R&D spending increased
Singh said the defence budget has increased from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 7.85 lakh crore in 2026-27, while capital expenditure has risen from Rs 94,588 crore to Rs 2.19 lakh crore during the same period.
The government has also stepped up spending on defence research and development, with the R&D budget increasing from Rs 15,283 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 29,100 crore in 2026-27, a rise of around 90 per cent.
Over the past year, the Defence Acquisition Council has granted Acceptance of Necessity for projects worth more than Rs 8.75 lakh crore, he said.
The Defence Minister highlighted procurement reforms aimed at accelerating military modernisation, including doubling the financial ceiling for Field Commanders and facilitating procurement worth more than Rs 1.25 lakh crore through the revenue route to promote indigenisation.
Focus on advanced military technologies
Singh said indigenous warships, aircraft and advanced military systems are strengthening the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
He highlighted recent technological achievements by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the armed forces, including the successful testing of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation system, which can convert conventional weapons into precision-guided munitions.
He also referred to the testing of an Advanced Agni missile equipped with MIRV technology, besides successful trials of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, RudraM-II air-to-surface missile, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-SR and Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket.
The Defence Minister said the successful test of an active-cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for more than 1,200 seconds has placed India among a select group of countries capable of developing hypersonic missile technology.
He also highlighted the first successful test of the indigenous Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile, saying it would further strengthen India’s air defence capabilities.
Border connectivity, disaster response remain priorities
Singh said border-area development remains a key focus of the government, with efforts aimed at strengthening defence preparedness and improving connectivity in border regions.
He also praised the armed forces for acting as “first responders” during natural disasters and carrying out relief and rescue operations both within the country and abroad.
Government committed to welfare of armed forces personnel
The Defence Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired defence personnel and their families.
He said the budget for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme has increased by 300 per cent over the past five years.
Under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, the Penury Grant has been increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000, the Education Grant from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 and the Marriage Grant from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
Singh said these measures reflect the government’s commitment to the dignity and welfare of soldiers and their families.
More opportunities for women in armed forces
Singh also highlighted the increasing participation of women in the armed forces and their role in national security.
He described the commissioning of the first batch of female cadets trained at the National Defence Academy as a historic milestone.
He also cited Samudra Pradakshina, the first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni, as an example of the growing role of women in the armed forces.
Tribute to soldiers and freedom fighters
Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sarojini Naidu and Rani Gaidinliu, Singh said the responsibility of protecting India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity now rests with the armed forces.
He expressed gratitude to soldiers for ensuring that citizens can pursue their aspirations in a safe environment despite difficult circumstances.
Singh said 2026 also marks the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, making this year’s Independence Day particularly significant.
He called upon citizens to participate actively in nation-building and discharge their duties with dedication to help realise the goal of Viksit Bharat.
