New Delhi, August 14: On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that modernisation of the Armed Forces, driven by a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector, remains one of the government’s highest priorities.
Addressing soldiers through Akashvani, the Defence Minister highlighted the transformation of India’s defence sector over the past decade, saying initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India have strengthened domestic defence production while positioning India as an emerging global defence manufacturing hub.
According to the Defence Minister, India’s defence production has increased from around ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26. Defence exports have also risen sharply, from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, with Indian defence products now reaching more than 80 countries.
Singh said India currently has around 145 defence exporters and expressed confidence that the country will achieve its target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Big Push for Modernisation and R&D
The Defence Minister said the defence budget has increased to ₹7.85 lakh crore in FY 2026-27, while capital expenditure has risen to ₹2.19 lakh crore.
He also highlighted the government’s growing investment in defence research and development, with the R&D budget increasing to ₹29,100 crore in FY 2026-27.
Over the past year, the Defence Acquisition Council has granted Acceptance of Necessity for projects worth more than ₹8.75 lakh crore, reflecting the government’s focus on accelerating military modernisation.
Focus on Future Warfare Technologies
Rajnath Singh highlighted several indigenous technological achievements, including developments in advanced missile systems, precision-guided weapons, long-range strike capabilities and air defence.
He specifically mentioned the successful testing of systems including the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, RudraM-II, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-SR and Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket.
He also highlighted progress in scramjet technology, stating that the successful test of an active-cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for more than 1,200 seconds has strengthened India’s position in the development of hypersonic technologies.
The Defence Minister also referred to the indigenous Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system, describing it as another step towards strengthening India’s air-defence capabilities.
Border Infrastructure and Welfare of Soldiers
Singh said development of infrastructure in border areas remains a key priority, both for improving connectivity and strengthening defence preparedness.
He also praised the Armed Forces for acting as first responders during natural disasters, both within India and abroad.
On the welfare of serving and retired personnel, the Defence Minister highlighted increased allocations for healthcare and assistance schemes, including a significant rise in the budget of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.
Nari Shakti in Defence
The Defence Minister also underlined the government’s focus on expanding opportunities for women in the Armed Forces.
He pointed to the commissioning of the first batch of female cadets trained at the National Defence Academy and highlighted the all-women tri-service sailing expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ as examples of the growing role of women in national security.
Tribute to India’s Soldiers
Rajnath Singh paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters and said that the responsibility for protecting the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity now rests with the Armed Forces.
He expressed gratitude to soldiers for their courage, discipline and sacrifice, saying their service enables citizens to pursue their aspirations in a safe environment.
The Defence Minister also noted that 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, and called upon citizens to use Independence Day as an opportunity to strengthen their commitment towards nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat.