Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO, Hyderabad

Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that systems such as Akash and BrahMos have showcased India’s ability to compete on the global defence technology stage.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory in Hyderabad on June 12, marking a significant milestone in India's defence technology journey. During his visit, he lauded the Missile Systems & Strategic Systems Cluster for strengthening India's strategic autonomy and enhancing national security through indigenous technological achievements. He highlighted that the successful performance of India's missile systems during Operation Sindoor reflects the growing strength of the nation's defence R&D ecosystem.

Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that systems such as Akash and BrahMos have showcased India's ability to compete on the global defence technology stage. "Strength is essential for peace, and self-reliance forms the foundation of that strength," he said. He also stressed the crucial role of air defence during Operation Sindoor, noting that India's systems effectively neutralised aerial threats, ensuring protection of critical military and civilian infrastructure.

The Raksha Mantri reiterated the Government's commitment to building a multi-level missile defence network under 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra', a plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025. He explained that this system will provide a three-layered shield, safeguarding military installations, essential infrastructure, and civilians, while maintaining minimal disruption to daily life. The system is designed to offer a decisive response capability whenever required.

Addressing the evolving nature of warfare, Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that modern conflicts are shaped by precision-strike technologies, hypersonic weapons, integrated air defence systems, autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and advanced sensor technologies. He highlighted the importance of resilience—the capacity to absorb shocks—and deterrence—the ability to prevent aggression through credible response— as key elements of national security. He praised DRDO for bolstering India's capabilities in both these areas, ensuring the nation remains prepared for any threat.

Shri Rajnath Singh also underlined the need to bridge the gap between development and production, urging DRDO, the Services, and industry to operate as an integrated ecosystem. He stressed that equipping the armed forces with advanced systems in adequate numbers and on time is as critical as technological superiority. Simplifying manufacturing processes, increasing indigenous content, and enabling rapid mass production were highlighted as essential steps to ensure operational readiness.

Over the past 12 years, the Government has taken measures to enhance research and development in defence technologies under the vision of 'Make-in-India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Shri Rajnath Singh acknowledged DRDO's contribution to this transformation, particularly the collaborative model involving DRDO laboratories, Defence PSUs, private industry, start-ups, MSMEs, and academia. This synergy, he said, is accelerating India's journey from innovation to production and from production to operational capability, enhancing the armed forces' effectiveness and reducing technological dependence.

The Raksha Mantri also toured a technical exhibition at the DRDL, exploring cutting-edge defence technologies, advanced missile platforms, and indigenous weapon systems. He was accompanied by Director General (Missile & Strategic Systems) Shri U Raja Babu, Director DRDL Dr Ankathi Raju, and senior DRDO officials. Shri Rajnath Singh concluded by emphasizing that the inauguration symbolises India's resolve to remain vigilant, capable, and self-reliant in safeguarding national security and advancing strategic technologies.