Rajnath Singh Calls for ‘Element of Surprise’ in Future Warfare at North Tech Symposium 2026

Pointing to recent global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Singh noted how warfare has evolved dramatically within just a few years—from traditional heavy weaponry to drones, sensors, and hybrid technologies.

In a strong push towards future-ready defence capabilities, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has called for sustained investment in research, cutting-edge technologies, and the strategic "element of surprise" to maintain India's competitive edge in modern warfare.

Addressing defence personnel, industry leaders, start-ups, and academia at the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the Raksha Mantri highlighted how rapid technological shifts are fundamentally redefining the nature of global conflicts.

From Tanks to Drones: Warfare Undergoing Rapid Transformation

Pointing to recent global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Singh noted how warfare has evolved dramatically within just a few years—from traditional heavy weaponry to drones, sensors, and hybrid technologies.

"In today's world, even everyday devices can turn into weapons. The element of surprise has become more unpredictable than ever," he said, referring to incidents such as unconventional attacks in West Asia that have forced militaries worldwide to rethink strategies.

He stressed that in this rapidly evolving landscape, preparedness must go beyond conventional thinking, requiring agility, foresight, and technological superiority.

'Decisive Edge Lies in Surprise and Speed of Adaptation'

The Defence Minister underlined that history consistently favors forces that possess the ability to strike unexpectedly. He called for a proactive approach to capability-building, enabling India to maintain strategic advantage in any potential conflict scenario.

He emphasized that:

• The speed of technological adaptation will determine future military dominance

• Research and innovation are now the primary battlegrounds shaping wars

• Laboratories and R&D ecosystems are effectively defining the future of warfare

"There is no substitute for research. The wars of tomorrow are being shaped in laboratories today," Singh stated.

Defence R&D Gets Major Boost: Private Sector, Start-ups in Focus

Highlighting government reforms, Singh noted that 25% of the defence R&D budget has been earmarked for industry, academia, and start-ups, with over ₹4,500 crore already utilised by these stakeholders.

Key policy measures include:

• Waiver of 20% Transfer of Technology (ToT) fees for development and production partners

• Transfer of over 2,200 DRDO technologies to industry

• Free access to DRDO patents for Indian companies

• Opening of DRDO testing facilities to industry players

These initiatives aim to create a collaborative defence innovation ecosystem, moving away from a purely government-driven model to a public-private partnership framework.

Focus on Emerging Technologies: AI to Hypersonics

Singh urged industry stakeholders to accelerate development in critical and emerging domains, including:

• Directed Energy Weapons

• Hypersonic systems

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Quantum technologies

• Space and underwater domain awareness

These technologies are increasingly seen as force multipliers in next-generation warfare.

Operation Sindoor Showcases India's Tech-Driven Combat Readiness

The Defence Minister cited Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India's technological preparedness, highlighting the use of indigenous missile systems such as Akashteer, Akash, and BrahMos.

He described the operation as evidence that India is not only adapting to evolving warfare but also deploying advanced technologies with confidence and precision.

Record Defence Production and Exports Signal Growing Global Presence

India's defence sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, with:

• Domestic defence production reaching ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2025–26

• Defence exports hitting an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore

Singh noted that the private sector has played a crucial role in this growth, with increasing interest from global players seeking partnerships with Indian firms—signaling rising international confidence in India's defence ecosystem.

North Tech Symposium: Bridging Forces, Industry, and Innovation

The three-day symposium, themed "Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge," aims to foster collaboration between the armed forces, industry, start-ups, and academia.

Key highlights include:

• Participation of 284 companies showcasing indigenous defence technologies

• Formation of eight focus teams to address operational challenges

• Discussions on Problem Definition Statements to identify technological gaps

• Emphasis on deployable solutions such as UAS, Counter-UAS, AI-enabled systems, and precision strike capabilities

Senior military leaders highlighted that the initiative is driven by the principles of Jointness, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation, critical for strengthening India's warfighting capabilities.

Towards a Knowledge-Driven Defence Ecosystem

Rajnath Singh also proposed the creation of a "Knowledge Corridor" to facilitate seamless collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders across defence domains.

He concluded with a call for collective effort, stating that India must aim to emerge as one of the most formidable military powers globally, driven by innovation, technology, and strategic foresight.