Rajnath Singh inaugurates Advanced Weapon System Complex At DRDO Lab In Hyderabad, Pushes Faster Production Of Indigenous Defence Systems
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad on Friday, 12 June, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence.
The complex has been set up at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
Addressing the event, Singh commended the Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster of DRDO for its contribution to India’s technological excellence, strategic autonomy and national security.
He said the performance of indigenous missile systems during Operation Sindoor showed the growing strength of India’s defence research and development ecosystem.
“The systems developed by DRDO, such as Akash and BrahMos, proved that India possesses the capability to compete in the global defence technology ecosystem,” Singh said.
He said strength is essential for peace and self-reliance is the most reliable foundation for that strength.
Referring to the role of air defence during Operation Sindoor, Singh said India’s air defence system “completely thwarted” aerial threats along the borders.
He also said Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2025 Independence Day address, would become a multi-level missile defence system for modern India.
According to the ministry, the system is intended to protect military installations, critical infrastructure, civil infrastructure and key establishments, while also giving the country the capability to respond when required.
Singh said the system’s three-layered protection would prioritise citizen safety and provide a robust protective shield for assets of vital importance.
The Defence Minister said resilience and deterrence are important for safeguarding national security interests at a time when warfare is changing rapidly.
He said precision-strike capabilities, integrated air defence systems, hypersonic weapons, autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and advanced sensor technologies are redefining modern warfare.
Read also : Missile warhead found inside fuel tank of crude oil tanker safely removed by Indian Navy
Singh urged DRDO to continue addressing present-day challenges while working on futuristic technologies that can give India a strategic advantage.
He said DRDO’s responsibility is not limited to adapting to technological changes, but also includes anticipating future needs.
Singh also stressed the need to equip the armed forces with modern systems in sufficient quantity and at the right time.
He said technological superiority alone does not ensure success in war, and large-scale production capability is equally important.
The Defence Minister called upon DRDO, the Services and the defence industry to work as an integrated ecosystem to move technologies quickly from development to large-scale production and timely induction.
He urged DRDO to consider production as an integral part of the development process, reduce development-to-production timelines, simplify manufacturing processes, increase indigenous content and develop systems that can be rapidly mass-produced when required.
Singh said the government has taken several measures over the past 12 years to promote research and development with the aim of achieving Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals in defence technologies.
He said collaboration among DRDO laboratories, defence public sector undertakings, private industry, start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and academia has transformed the defence ecosystem.
The Defence Minister also visited a technical exhibition showcasing advanced weapon systems, indigenous missile platforms and other defence technologies developed by DRDO.
Director General, Missile and Strategic Systems, U Raja Babu; DRDL Director Dr Ankathi Raju; and other senior DRDO officials were present at the event.
Read also : Ex-Servicemen to get long-term income opportunity through DGR Coal Loading and Transportation Scheme
