Defence Minister Calls For Tech-Driven Targeted Solutions At Aero India 2025

Bengaluru, Feb 11 (KNN) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed global defence manufacturers at Aero India 2025, Asia's largest defence exhibition, emphasising the need for targeted solutions to address evolving warfare technology and geopolitical challenges. 

Speaking at the Yelahanka air base, Singh highlighted how security concerns transcend national borders in today's interconnected world, particularly given the current fragile global security situation and challenges to the rules-based order.

The five-day biennial airshow has attracted significant international participation, with over 900 exhibitors and representatives from approximately 80 countries, including 120 CEOs of prominent defence firms. 

The event serves as a platform to showcase India's advancing defence manufacturing capabilities and technological progress, while fostering international cooperation among like-minded nations.

Singh emphasised the shifting paradigm in modern warfare from hardware-centric to software-based systems, noting the increasing significance of space-based navigation, communication, and surveillance systems. 

He specifically highlighted the growing importance of integrated manned, unmanned, and autonomous warfare systems, as evidenced by the use of drones in recent conflicts, suggesting that defence manufacturing efforts should prioritise these emerging areas.

The exhibition comes as India allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore for defence spending in the 2025-26 Union Budget, with Rs 1.8 lakh crore designated for military modernisation. 

Notably, 75 percent of the modernisation budget has been earmarked for domestic procurement, underlining India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 

This initiative received further momentum as British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce announced plans to double its sourcing from India by 2030.

The Defence Minister also emphasised the private sector's expanding role in India's defence industry, drawing parallels with advanced nations where private industry leads defence production. 

Singh noted that India's defence industrial sector, previously isolated from the national economy, has now been fully integrated and serves as a crucial driver of economic growth. 

The exhibition aims to facilitate strategic partnerships and joint ventures to accelerate indigenous production, positioning India as a preferred global destination for aerospace components and complex system assembly.

(KNN Bureau)