India’s push towards next-generation warfare and indigenous defence manufacturing gathered major momentum on Saturday as the country officially flagged off its first indigenous 300-km Universal Rocket Launching System, named “Suryastra”, in Maharashtra.
The advanced long-range rocket system was unveiled during the inauguration of a large private-sector Defence Manufacturing Complex developed by the NIBE Group in Shirdi.
The event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both of whom described the development as a major milestone in India’s growing military modernisation and self-reliance drive.
Alongside formally flagging off the Suryastra rocket system, Rajnath Singh also laid the foundation stone for a missile complex associated with the project.
Describing the system as a transformational step for India’s military capabilities, the Defence Minister said the indigenous rocket launcher would significantly enhance the country’s future strike power and strategic preparedness.
“Powered by indigenous technology, this rocket system will multiply our strike capability manifold and prove to be a strategic game-changer,” Rajnath Singh said during the event.
The newly inaugurated defence manufacturing complex is expected to produce a wide range of advanced military technologies and systems, including artillery systems, missile and space technologies, rocket systems, energetic materials, and autonomous defence platforms.
Rajnath Singh stressed that the nature of modern warfare was rapidly changing and that future conflicts would increasingly be determined by technological superiority rather than simply the size of military forces.
“The outcome of future wars will be determined by the nation’s advancements and capabilities in munitions and automation, and not by the size of its forces,” he stated.
Referring to ongoing global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine War and tensions in West Asia, Singh said recent wars had already demonstrated how precision weapons, drones, automation, and advanced technologies were reshaping military strategy worldwide.
“India demonstrated this capability during Operation Sindoor,” he added while highlighting India’s growing technological defence strength.
The Defence Minister urged industry leaders, defence manufacturers, and research organisations to work collectively towards transforming India into a global centre for advanced munitions, autonomous systems, and military technologies.
“We stand ready to take every necessary step to ensure that India emerges as a frontrunner in munitions and automated systems,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted the rapid expansion of private sector participation in India’s defence production ecosystem over the last decade.
“There was a time when private sector contribution in defence production was negligible. It has now reached approximately 25-30 per cent,” he said.
“Our objective is to take this figure to 50 per cent in the coming years,” he added.
According to the Defence Minister, Indian private companies are no longer limited to supplying basic components but are increasingly evolving into manufacturers of sophisticated indigenous weapon systems.
“This is the New India where the private industry is not merely a supplier of nuts and bolts, but is emerging as the innovator and manufacturer of state-of-the-art weapon systems,” Singh remarked.
The event additionally witnessed the unveiling of several new indigenous technologies and industrial projects linked to India’s defence and strategic sectors.
These included Indigenous TNT Plant Technology, RDX Plant Technology, and a Renewable Bio-Energy Compressed Biogas Plant.
An agreement was also exchanged between the NIBE Group and Black Sky for cooperation in satellite assembly technologies.
Rajnath Singh stated that the newly launched facilities were expected to function as research-driven industrial hubs that would strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while simultaneously benefiting MSMEs, ancillary industries, and local suppliers.
“The production of ammunition, missiles, rocket systems and satellite components will engage ancillary units, suppliers and vendors. It will generate employment and empower the youth of this region with cutting-edge technological skill sets,” he said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also praised the Centre’s emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing through initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Fadnavis said recent military operations and defence developments reflected both the bravery of Indian armed forces and the country’s increasing self-reliance in military production.
He specifically described Operation Sindoor as an example of India’s advancing indigenous defence capability combined with operational strength.
According to Fadnavis, India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has undergone a major transformation due to the growing involvement of both public and private sector industries in advanced military technologies and weapons production.
The unveiling of the Suryastra system and the accompanying defence manufacturing expansion is now being viewed as part of India’s broader effort to modernise its armed forces, reduce dependence on foreign defence imports, and position itself as a major global defence manufacturing hub in the coming years.
