Battlefield of the Future to Be Defined by AI, Drones & Quantum Tech: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh

“The battlefield has changed — the wars of tomorrow will be fought with algorithms, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence. Drones, anti-drone systems, quantum computing, and directed-energy weapons will define the future,” stated Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh while addressing ‘Raksha Navachar Samvaad: Interaction with iDEX Startups’ ahead of the National Conference on Defence Innovation at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

He urged innovators to think beyond conventional solutions and “become creators and standard-setters for the world” in emerging defence technologies.

Defence Capital Acquisition Rises to ₹1.2 Lakh Crore

Highlighting India’s significant progress towards defence indigenisation, Shri Rajnath Singh noted that capital acquisitions from domestic sources have surged from ₹74,000 crore in FY 2021–22 to ₹1.2 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.

“This is not merely a statistical change, but a change in mindset — from dependence to confidence,” he said, adding that India’s self-reliance in defence has moved from being a slogan to a movement, supported by policy reforms, innovation, and industry partnerships.

He also pointed out that 25% of government procurement is now reserved for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), with 350+ items earmarked exclusively for them.

Call to Build India’s First Defence Unicorn

Encouraging startups to scale up and lead India’s defence transformation, the Raksha Mantri remarked,

“India today has more than 100 Unicorns, but none in the defence sector. Let the first Defence Unicorn of India emerge from among you.”

He assured innovators of complete government support “from ideation to implementation,” reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a technologically self-reliant India.

iDEX Revolutionising India’s Defence Innovation Landscape

Recalling the launch of iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) in 2018, Rajnath Singh described it as a transformational initiative connecting India’s youth with the technological needs of the Armed Forces.

“In just seven years, more than 650 iDEX winners have emerged, and prototype procurements worth over ₹3,000 crore have been ensured. This marks a revolution in India’s defence innovation ecosystem,” he said.

He also lauded startups such as Refi M. Fiber and Gravity Systems for their contributions during Operation Sindoor, and noted that several Indian startups are now showcasing indigenous technologies at global platforms like the Dubai Airshow 2025.

Reforms & Ecosystem Support

The Raksha Mantri underlined that the new Defence Procurement Manual (DPM-2025) ensures assured orders for five years, extendable by another five, to provide predictability for innovators.

He also stated that reforms in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) will simplify trials and enable assured procurement for innovative solutions.

Through iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) and Self-Certification provisions, the Ministry of Defence is creating a comprehensive framework to encourage, support, and scale innovation.

India’s Defence Sector: From Dependence to Dominance

Rajnath Singh informed that India achieved record-breaking defence production worth ₹1.5 lakh crore and exports exceeding ₹23,000 crore in FY 2024–25.

“You are the architects of a new India that believes in designing, developing, and producing for itself,” he told the innovators, emphasising that defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become a key driver for private investment, R&D, and job creation.

He added, “India’s defence innovation journey is moving from concept to creation and from vision to victory.”

Conference Highlights

• The event, organised by iDEX under the aegis of the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, featured:

• An exhibition of iDEX and ADITI innovations,

• Panel discussions on scaling startups, bridging innovation and production, and accelerating Aatmanirbharta through R&D collaboration.

The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, and other senior officials from the MoD, Armed Forces, defence PSUs, and industry.