The consultative committee for defence ministry, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, visited DRDO's Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), which focuses on research, design, and development of conventional armaments, and operates under the Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) cluster, inspected the various highly advanced weapon systems developed by different laboratories of the cluster.
At the facility in Pune, they were shown the advanced towed artillery gun system, Pinaka rocket system, light tank ’Zorawar’, wheeled armoured platform and Akash-New Generation missile.
They were also apprised of the status of the technologies being developed in various fields, including robotics, rail gun, electromagnetic aircraft launch system, and high-energy propulsion materials.
Singh hailed DRDO for developing technologies that were previously imported and making a mark in futuristic products that are just beginning to be discussed globally.
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The minister highlighted the need to understand and adapt to the transformation taking place in the defence sector and the evolving nature of warfare.
“Today is an era of technological dominance. The nation that prioritises science and innovation will lead the future. Technology is no longer limited to labs; it has become the foundation of our strategic decisions, defence system and future policies," the defence minister stated.
He reiterated that India cannot depend on the import of technologies to safeguard national interests, as some countries resort to protectionism when it comes to disruptive technologies.
"Sometimes, they do not share information with other countries. India has challenged these limitations. We have shown that if our intentions are clear and policies are unambiguous, we can become self-reliant in any field. Today, India is not only meeting its own needs, but is also becoming a trusted defence partner for the world,” the minister noted.
