Integration of indigenous tech with procurement has acted as force multiplier for India: Defence Secretary

India is actively working towards becoming a global drone superpower by ensuring the domestic procurement of military-grade drones while fostering global technological collaborations, Singh added.

Integration of indigenous technology with high-value procurements has acted as a force-multiplier for India in the paradigm of security, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said.

In an exclusive interview to CNN-News18 on Wednesday, the defence secretary said the global demand for munitions, driven by geopolitical conflicts, is significantly boosting New Delhi's defence exports.  He also added that integration of indigenous technology has acted as a force multiplier for India. Synergy between the three forces has enabled India to develop a competitive edge over other nations, emphasised the bureaucrat.

India is actively working towards becoming a global drone superpower by ensuring the domestic procurement of military-grade drones while fostering global technological collaborations, Singh added.

In an exclusive interview to CNN-News18 on Wednesday, the defence secretary said the global demand for munitions, driven by geopolitical conflicts, is significantly boosting New Delhi's defence exports, he said. He also added that integration of indigenous technology has acted as a force multiplier for India. Synergy between the three forces has enabled India to develop a competitive edge over other nations, emphasised the bureaucrat.

Singh last month underscored the imperative of Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector, calling it essential not only for preserving India’s strategic autonomy but also for realising the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

“Our largest order to date, the BrahMos system to the Philippines, is a major milestone, pushing us closer to our target of Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2030," Singh told CNN-News18.

India is closely examining unmanned systems, not only in the air but also underwater and in emerging domains, the defence secretary remarked. The armed forces, he said, are continually upgrading their capabilities to stay ahead of new warfare trends.

India’s defence landscape has witnessed a tectonic shift over the past decade. “From being the world’s largest importer in 2015, India has emerged as one of the top 25 defence exporters," Singh noted at a defence conclave held on May 29-30.

Over 100 Indian firms now export cutting-edge platforms and systems—including BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers, simulators, armoured vehicles, Dornier aircraft, and offshore patrol vessels—to more than 100 countries. Defence exports have surged thirtyfold, touching Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2023-24.