Rajnath Singh: Drones Vital for Modern Warfare Policy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the critical role of drones in modern warfare, urging their integration into India’s defense strategy during the inauguration of Raphe mPhibr Pvt Ltd’s defense equipment and engine-testing facility in Noida. Speaking alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Singh highlighted drones’ transformative impact, citing their extensive use in the Russia-Ukraine conflict since 2022. “Drones have become a significant force, reaching areas where large equipment cannot,” he said, noting their role in surveillance, precision strikes, and logistics.

Singh stressed that traditional combat aircraft like Tejas and Rafale remain vital, but drones’ versatility in navigating complex terrains and delivering real-time intelligence has made them indispensable. “The Russia-Ukraine war shows drones are not just supplementary but central to warfare,” he said, referencing their evolution from conventional tank-and-artillery battles to drone-dominated operations. This aligns with his broader vision, articulated at the Ran Samwad 2025 seminar, where he noted that technologies like drones, AI, and cyber capabilities are redefining battlefields.

The minister underscored India’s push to become a global drone hub, supported by initiatives like iDEX and ADITI, which foster innovation and indigenous manufacturing. The Army’s plan to train every soldier in drone operations by 2027, backed by a ₹390 crore investment, reflects this priority. Singh also praised Raphe mPhibr’s facility as a milestone for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, noting that India’s defense exports reached ₹24,000 crore in 2024-25, with ambitions to hit ₹50,000 crore by 2029. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with users like @SoldierNationF1 highlighting the Army’s goal to equip all personnel with diverse drone capabilities.

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The Noida facility, equipped to produce UAVs, anti-drone systems, and precision-guided munitions, strengthens India’s self-reliance, with 75% of the ₹1.8 lakh crore modernization budget allocated for domestic procurement. Singh’s remarks follow recent successes like Operation Sindoor, showcasing indigenous platforms, and align with 2025’s designation as the “Year of Defence Reforms” to integrate technologies like drones and AI. As global conflicts underscore drones’ disruptive power, Singh’s call signals India’s proactive stance in adapting to multi-domain warfare.

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