Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for India to become a global drone manufacturing hub by 2030 to meet the country's defence requirements and preserve its strategic autonomy.
The move comes amid ongoing conflicts, including the war in West Asia, which have highlighted the importance of drones and counter-drone technologies in future warfare.
Singh emphasized the need for self-reliance in drone manufacturing, citing the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia as proof of the pivotal role drones will play in future warfare.
He stressed the importance of manufacturing drones from moulds to software, engines, and batteries in India, rather than relying on imported components from countries like China.
This push for indigenous drone manufacturing comes as India prepares to initiate far-reaching military reforms, including the creation of a drone force, a data force, and a defence geospatial agency by 2047.
