Amid evolving warfare dynamics, Rajnath Singh sets a bold 2030 target for drones, accelerating India’s push for self-reliance and a stronger foothold in next-generation defence technologies.
Rajnath Singh has set a 2030 target for India to achieve self-reliance in drone manufacturing, stressing that indigenous capability in both drones and counter-drone systems is critical for national security amid evolving global conflicts. He emphasised that India must move beyond assembling finished products and develop capabilities across the entire value chain from components to software, to safeguard its strategic autonomy.
Speaking at a conclave on advanced manufacturing, Singh underlined that modern conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine War and ongoing tensions in West Asia, have demonstrated the decisive role of drones in warfare. He noted that many countries still depend heavily on imports, particularly from China, for critical drone components, highlighting the urgency for India to build a fully indigenous ecosystem in mission mode.
The push comes as India accelerates efforts to strengthen its future military capabilities. Plans are underway to establish a dedicated drone force, alongside a data force and a defence geospatial agency, as part of broader reforms to prepare the armed forces for next-generation warfare.
These initiatives are embedded in the Defence Forces Vision 2047, a long-term roadmap to transform India’s military into a technologically advanced force by the country’s independence centenary. The strategy outlines phased development—focusing on transition by 2030, consolidation through 2040, and achieving full operational excellence by 2047—while also proposing new capabilities such as space and cyber commands, a cognitive warfare unit, and an integrated air defence system under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
The growing strategic importance of drones was also evident during the recent Republic Day Parade in India, where unmanned systems were prominently showcased for the first time, underscoring their expanding role in surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision-strike operations.
