A nation that makes its own weapons writes its own destiny: Rajnath Singh

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, centre, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, left, and Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan during the inauguration ceremony of an ordnance manufacturing unit in Shirdi, Ahilyanagar district, May 23, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday (May 23, 2026) that countries capable of producing their own weapons shape their own future as he inaugurated NIBE Group’s Defense Manufacturing Complex in Shirdi, Maharashtra, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The newly opened complex will produce advanced artillery systems, missile and space technologies, missile systems, energy materials and autonomous defense platforms, boosting India’s push for self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the major highlight of the event was the decommissioning of India’s first 300 km Suryastra Universal Missile System. The foundation stone for a separate missile complex for the system was also laid. During the ceremony, the original TNT Plant Technology, RDX Plant Technology and renewable bio-energy compressed biogas were unveiled. The NIBE group also exchanged a memorandum of understanding with Black Sky to cooperate in the assembly of satellites.

Addressing the rally, Mr Singh said future wars would increasingly be determined by advances in munitions, automation and emerging technologies, not just the size of armed forces. Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia and Operation Sindoor, he said modern warfare has underscored the strategic importance of domestic technological capabilities.

The Defense Minister emphasized that the Indian private sector has evolved from a small contributor to become a key innovator in defense manufacturing. He noted that the share of the private sector in defense production has now reached almost 25-30%, with the government aiming to increase it to 50% in the coming years.

Highlighting the reforms introduced in the past decade, Mr. Singh cited liberalized FDI norms, the strategic partnership model, positive indigenous lists and innovation-focused initiatives such as iDEX, ADITI and the Technology Development Fund as the main drivers for developing own capabilities.

He said the new defense complex will create employment opportunities, empower MSMEs and allied industries and empower local youth with advanced technological skills while significantly enhancing India’s future warfighting capabilities and strategic preparedness.

Published – 23 May 2026 21:35 IST