New Delhi: India procured military hardware and weapons worth Rs 1,20,000 crore from domestic sources by the end of 2024-25, as the country increasingly focuses on self-reliance to address national security challenges, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.
Speaking at an event, Singh highlighted the government’s awareness of the evolving battlefield dynamics, particularly the growing significance of non-contact warfare, including drone operations, and the preparations being made accordingly. He emphasized the critical role of strengthening India’s defence industries to meet a wide range of security challenges.
“In 2021-22, capital acquisitions from domestic sources stood at around Rs 74,000 crore. By the end of 2024-25, this figure has risen to approximately Rs 1,20,000 crore,” Singh noted. “This increase reflects not just numbers, but a fundamental shift in mindset.”
He added that over the past decade, the Modi government has implemented several policy measures to promote indigenous design, development, and manufacturing of defence equipment, with domestic procurement now receiving the highest priority.
“The Government of India is fully aware of the changing nature of modern warfare, which is increasingly technology-driven. Operation Sindoor demonstrated this shift,” Singh said. “We have observed that non-contact warfare, including drones, anti-drone systems, and air-defense technologies, has become increasingly crucial.”
Outlining key goals for the defence sector in line with India’s vision to become a developed nation by 2047, Singh said: “First, we must attain a high degree of self-reliance in critical defence capabilities. Second, India should emerge as a leading global exporter in the defence sector. Third, to advance in cutting-edge technology, we must focus on developing new niche technologies.”
