New Delhi: India’s indigenous defence capabilities were on full display during Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, crediting the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the successful performance of its weapon systems during the operation.
Addressing scientists and officials at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters in New Delhi on the organisation’s 68th Foundation Day, Singh said, “The weapon systems developed by DRDO played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor, which serves as a testament to the professionalism and commitment of the organisation towards safeguarding national interests.”
He added that DRDO-developed equipment functioned seamlessly during the operation, boosting the morale of Indian soldiers deployed on the ground.
Role in Sudarshan Chakra air defence plan
The Defence Minister expressed confidence that DRDO would play a central role in developing the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2025 address.
Referring to the plan, Singh said, “Under this initiative, DRDO is responsible for equipping our vital installations with an air defence system to ensure complete aerial protection over the next decade. We witnessed the importance of air defence in modern warfare during Operation Sindoor. I am confident that DRDO will work wholeheartedly to achieve this goal soon.”
Trust builder and technology creator
Singh said DRDO had evolved into both a technology creator and a trust builder, giving citizens confidence in the country’s defence preparedness. He highlighted the organisation’s growing collaboration with industry, start-ups and academia, saying this engagement had helped create a strong and synergetic defence ecosystem.
“DRDO has consistently improved its systems, processes, and working methods. From procurement to project management, from industry engagement to collaborating with start-ups and MSMEs, there is a visible effort to make the work easier, faster, and more reliable,” he said.
Focus on innovation and future readiness
Emphasising the need to stay aligned with rapidly changing technologies, Singh urged DRDO to continue focusing on innovation, deep tech and next-generation systems. He said technology scanning, capability assessment and future readiness were no longer optional in modern warfare.
“The world is changing every day. Technology, innovation, and new warfare domains are rapidly advancing, making yesterday’s knowledge obsolete. We must never assume that the learning process has ended. We must continue learning and challenge themselves, paving the way for the new generation,” he said.
During the event, DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat briefed the Defence Minister on the organisation’s achievements in 2025, ongoing R&D activities and the roadmap for 2026. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, senior scientists and top officials were also present.