Drones must be part of India’s war policy, says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday underscored the importance of drones in modern warfare, urging their inclusion in India’s defence strategy. Speaking at a Noida facility launch, he lauded India’s progress in domestic drone manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Noida: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday stressed the need for incorporating drones into war policy, calling them critical to modern warfare strategy. “Generally, when we hear the word ‘aircraft’, images of Tejas, Rafale, and fighter jets come to mind. This is natural, as these are all combat aircraft. However, in today’s changing times, drones have emerged as a significant force in this field. Drones are now being deployed even in areas where large equipment cannot reach,” he said.

“If you closely observe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, you will notice that drones have been used extensively – earlier, now, and continuously. This proves that understanding the importance of drones and incorporating them into our war policy has become essential,” Singh added.

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He was speaking at the inauguration of Raphe mPhibr Pvt Ltd’s defence equipment and engine-testing facility in Noida. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at the event.

“A strong reflection of the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat was seen here today,” Singh said after inaugurating the private facility. Highlighting the history of drones, Singh said that in their early days, they were used only for surveillance and reconnaissance. “Later, some countries began developing combat drones, and many nations started deploying them in border conflicts,” he said.

“Countries that invested in drone technology have gained a significant edge in this field, while many others have been left behind. From my six to six-and-a-half years of experience (as defence minister), I can say that the reality of today’s defence sector rests on aircraft technology and drones,” Singh added.

The Defence Minister further said it was a matter of great pride that India is rapidly advancing in this domain. “Earlier, we had to import drones, but today we are designing, developing, and manufacturing them domestically,” he said.

“Many entrepreneurs in the country are contributing to this progress, and no praise is enough for their efforts,” Singh added.