Defence Minister highlights technology, indigenous manufacturing and military integration; defence budget rises to ₹7.85 lakh crore for FY 2026–27
Jaisalmer : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Ministry of Defence Consultative Committee in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, to discuss the modernisation of India’s armed forces and their preparedness for emerging security challenges. The meeting focused on next-generation weapons and platforms, integration among the three services, indigenous defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber and space capabilities, and strengthening defence research and innovation.
₹3 lakh crore defence production target by 2029
Highlighting the government’s focus on self-reliance, Singh said defence production had increased from ₹46,429 crore in FY 2014–15 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025–26. Defence exports have also grown from less than ₹2,000 crore in 2014 to approximately ₹40,000 crore. The government aims to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, he stated.
Defence budget reaches ₹7.85 lakh crore
Singh highlighted that the defence budget for FY 2026–27 had increased to a record ₹7.85 lakh crore, including a capital outlay of ₹2.19 lakh crore for modernisation and capital procurement. He emphasised the importance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned platforms, electronic warfare and advanced communication systems, in shaping future military capabilities. He also highlighted the growing participation of private companies, MSMEs and startups in India’s defence ecosystem.
Focus on military preparedness and human capital
The Defence Minister underlined that modernisation goes beyond procuring weapons and equipment, requiring continuous improvement in operational preparedness, indigenous capabilities and personnel training. He also referred to the Indian Army’s new formations, including the Asani, Bhairav and Shaktiban platoons, describing their role in addressing contemporary operational requirements.
The meeting also discussed strengthening coordination among the armed forces, DRDO, defence public sector undertakings, private industry and academic institutions. Members of Parliament from both Houses shared suggestions on streamlining acquisition processes, prioritising critical capabilities and monitoring implementation. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior civil and military officials attended the meeting.
