Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

Defence Secretary Pushes for Public-Private Teamwork to Boost India’s Defence Tech

Pune, Maharashtra: In a key address on Friday, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted how electronics in defence systems often serve dual purposes—working wonders in both military and civilian worlds. He called for stronger ties between the public sector, private companies, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to build a robust ecosystem for defence technologies in India.

Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Singh pointed out that technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity products have huge potential beyond the battlefield. "A lot of the electronics that go into defence will have dual-use applications," he said. "It’s tough to list them all, but these innovations can transform everyday life too."

The government’s top priority? Speed up the development and delivery of these cutting-edge defence technologies. Singh stressed the need for collaboration: "We must create synergy between the public-private sector and DRDO. This way, we can develop a large ecosystem of products where everyone works together—sharing tasks if needed—to deliver on time."

Turning to recent events, Singh described Operation Sindoor—the successful strike on terror bases in Pakistan—as a wake-up call for India’s armed forces. It helped pinpoint gaps in defence capabilities, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions. "In today’s world, countries are focusing on hard power, and with our neighborhood challenges, India is no different," he noted. "Operation Sindoor was a reality check, showing us where we can improve and adapt to future warfare."

During the talk, which happened on the sidelines of the Southern Command Defence Tech Seminar (STRIDE 2025), Singh outlined specific areas needing upgrades. These include electronic warfare, counter-unmanned systems (like tackling enemy drones), and building a stronger manufacturing base for military-grade drones. He also mentioned the push for low-level radars that perform well in GPS-denied or contested environments. "We spotted these capability gaps during the operation and know we need to beef them up," he added.

To tackle this, Singh explained that the armed forces have emergency procurement rules for quick buys when urgency strikes. But for lasting solutions, the focus is on indigenous development. "The long-term plan is to ramp up homegrown equipment through partnerships with DRDO and the entire defence industry," he said. This approach aims to make India’s defence self-reliant and ready for tomorrow’s threats.

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