Rajnath Singh Sets Rs 3 Lakh Crore Defence Production Goal

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Defence in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on November 3, 2026, to outline the modernisation of India's Armed Forces. Singh identified financial resources, technology, and human resources as the three pillars of this effort, emphasizing the adoption of disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cyber warfare.

To support these initiatives, the government increased the defence budget for FY 2026-27 to a record Rs 7.85 lakh crore, with Rs 2.19 lakh crore specifically allocated for capital procurement and modernisation. Singh reported that domestic defence production rose from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, while exports grew from under Rs 2,000 crore in 2014 to approximately Rs 40,000 crore.

Looking forward, Singh set targets to reach Rs 3 lakh crore in domestic production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029. He stated that indigenous capabilities and strategic autonomy are essential to reduce dependence on foreign sources. The minister also highlighted the effectiveness of the Indian Army's new Asani, Bhairav, and Shaktiban platoons in adapting to contemporary battlefield dynamics and the growing role of drones, missiles, and air defence systems.