India Actively Working Towards Becoming Global Drone Superpower: Defence Secretary | Exclusive

Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 20:13 IST

The global demand for munitions, driven by geopolitical conflicts, is significantly boosting the country's defence exports, he said

India is closely examining unmanned systems, not only in the air but also underwater and in emerging domains, the defence secretary revealed. File pic/X

India is actively working towards becoming a global drone superpower by ensuring the domestic procurement of military-grade drones while fostering global technological collaborations, Rajesh Kumar Singh, defence secretary of India, told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

The global demand for munitions, driven by geopolitical conflicts, is significantly boosting the country’s defence exports, he said.

“Our largest order to date, the BrahMos system to the Philippines, is a major milestone, pushing us closer to our target of Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2030," Singh told CNN-News18.

India is closely examining unmanned systems, not only in the air but also underwater and in emerging domains, the defence secretary revealed.

The armed forces, he said, are continually upgrading their capabilities to stay ahead of new warfare trends.

Singh last month underscored the imperative of Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector, calling it essential not only for preserving India’s strategic autonomy but also for realising the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

India’s defence landscape has witnessed a tectonic shift over the past decade. “From being the world’s largest importer in 2015, India has emerged as one of the top 25 defence exporters," Singh noted at a defence conclave held on May 29-30.

Over 100 Indian firms now export cutting-edge platforms and systems—including BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers, simulators, armoured vehicles, Dornier aircraft, and offshore patrol vessels—to more than 100 countries. Defence exports have surged thirtyfold, touching Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2023-24.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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