Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Chairman Samir V. Kamat on Thursday said the contribution of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector was very significant during Operation Sindoor.
During the inauguration of India Manufacturing Show 2025 Dr. Kamat said, “I am proud to say that the contribution of MSMEs in all indigenous systems which have done very well in the recent Sindoor operation is very significant.”
The DRDO chief said the country went from importing 70% of weapons systems and sensors from abroad to placing 90% of orders last year from Indian industry.
“The prime minister and the defense minister have given a big push to Atmanirbhar Bharat especially in the defense sector. Gradually we have now moved from a country that imported 70% of our weapons systems and sensors to last year where we were awarding 90% to the domestic industry,” he said.
He further said that for the country to maintain its sovereignty, it is very important to develop critical technologies domestically.
“We are living in a very interesting time today. There is a geopolitical upheaval. We are moving from a unipolar world to a multipolar world. If a nation is to ensure its economic growth today, it is very important that we ensure external and internal security in the nation, and in order to maintain your sovereignty, it is very important that you develop critical systems on your own that are necessary to build the country,” he said.
PSLV developed by pvt. industry
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said on the occasion that the first Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket developed by a private consortium led by HAL and L&T will be launched in February 2026.
“The consortium led by HAL and L&T has produced the first rocket and we will have a launch by February 2026. Once we are successful with the two launches, our plan is to give at least 50% of the PSLV directly to an Indian industrial consortium,” he said.
He added that about 80% to 85% of the systems are developed by private industry.
“Just four days back on November 2, ISRO’s heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 was successfully placed into orbit to boost India’s communication capabilities using our own Bahubali LVM-3 M5 rocket. This mission is launched by ISRO no doubt, but if you look at the post, almost 80% to 85% of the systems are supplied by Indian industry, he added that Indian industry is talking about it.
450 Indian Industries
He said about 450 Indian industries are contributing to India’s space program and more than 330 new ecosystems are functioning in the country today.
“India’s space program when it was launched was 70 years behind developed countries. By 2040, as we have mapped out the program, it will be at par with any other space nations in terms of launch vehicles, satellites, human spaceflight program and applications,” he said.
Published – 06 Nov 2025 18:51 IST
