New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for a mission-mode approach to make India a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing, stressing the need to strengthen the domestic defence production ecosystem amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day National Defence Industries Conclave at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, the minister said India must build strategic autonomy and enhance defence preparedness by achieving self-reliance in drone technologies.
He said ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia, have highlighted the growing role of drones and counter-drone systems in modern warfare. He emphasised that self-reliance must extend beyond finished products to critical components such as software, engines, and batteries, which are often imported, according to an official statement.
The minister said the development of a robust defence industrial ecosystem depends on the combined efforts of large industries, MSMEs, start-ups, and innovators, supported by clear policy direction from the government. He added that the government is committed to supporting private sector participation to achieve this goal.
During the event, Singh launched the 14th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC-14) and the fourth edition of the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) challenges under the iDEX framework.
A total of 107 problem statements, including 82 under DISC-14 and 25 under (ADITI) Challenges 4.0, were unveiled by defence stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Defence Space Agency.
He also launched a new initiative comprising 101 innovation challenges from Defence Public Sector Undertakings to promote design-led innovation among MSMEs and start-ups. These initiatives aim to provide funding, mentorship, testing facilities, and integration opportunities within defence supply chains.
The minister described iDEX and ADITI as transformative initiatives that have strengthened the defence innovation ecosystem. He said that as of February 2026, around 676 start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators have joined the ecosystem since its launch in 2018. He added that 548 contracts have been signed and 566 challenges launched so far.
Of these, 58 prototypes have received procurement clearance worth about Rs 3,853 crore, while 45 procurement contracts worth nearly Rs 2,326 crore have already been signed.
He said MSMEs are increasingly contributing in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing. He stressed the need for greater adoption of emerging technologies, including digital twins and advanced simulation tools, to improve efficiency and decision-making.
The minister highlighted the importance of horizontal and vertical integration to strengthen MSME capabilities. He said collaboration among MSMEs and partnerships with large industries are essential to build a strong innovation ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0.
He also pointed to government initiatives aimed at supporting MSMEs through a three-pronged approach of equity, liquidity, and professional support announced in the Union Budget. He said digital platforms such as the Udyam Portal and Udyam Assist Portal have helped integrate small industries into the formal economy.
