Military modernisation driven by a self-reliant & future-ready defence sector is Govt’s top priority: Raksha Mantri on the eve of 80th Independence Day

On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that India’s defence modernisation, driven by a self‑reliant and future‑ready sector, has accelerated over the last decade. Domestic defence production rose from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025‑26, with DPSUs contributing about 76% and the private sector 24%. Defence exports surged from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013‑14 to Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025‑26, reaching 145 exporters in over 80 countries. The defence budget grew to Rs 7.85 lakh crore in FY 2026‑27, with R&D spending up 90% to Rs 29,100 crore. Recent indigenous weapon tests, including Advanced Agni‑MIRV and a scramjet combustor, underscore the sector’s technological strides.