India flags off first indigenous 300-km Suryastra rocket system in Maharashtra

India on Saturday flagged off its first indigenous 300-km Universal Rocket Launching System “Suryastra” in Maharashtra, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calling it a “strategic game-changer” that would significantly strengthen the country’s future warfare capabilities.

The long-range rocket system was unveiled during the inauguration of a private-sector Defence Manufacturing Complex developed by the NIBE Group in Shirdi. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the event.

Along with flagging off the Suryastra system, Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a missile complex linked to the project.

“Powered by indigenous technology, this rocket system will multiply our strike capability manifold and prove to be a strategic game-changer,” the Defence Minister said.

The newly inaugurated complex will manufacture advanced artillery systems, missile and space technologies, rocket systems, energetic materials and autonomous defence platforms.

'FUTURE WARS WILL BE DECIDED BY TECHNOLOGY'

Rajnath Singh said modern conflicts were increasingly being shaped by automation, precision weapons and advanced military technologies rather than sheer troop numbers.

“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 said.

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in West Asia, he said global wars were already showing how technology-driven warfare was reshaping military strategy.

“India demonstrated this capability during Operation Sindoor,” he added.

The Defence Minister urged all stakeholders to work towards transforming India into a global hub for munitions and automated defence systems.

“We stand ready to take every necessary step to ensure that India emerges as a frontrunner in munitions and automated systems,” he said.

PRIVATE SECTOR DEFENCE PUSH

Rajnath Singh said India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem had changed dramatically over the past decade after the sector was opened to private industry.

“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 that Indian private companies were now emerging as manufacturers of sophisticated weapon systems instead of remaining component suppliers.

“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,” he said.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES UNVEILED

The event also saw the unveiling of 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 said the newly inaugurated plants were expected to emerge as research-driven hubs that would strengthen India’s defence production ecosystem while supporting MSMEs and local industries.

“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.

FADNAVIS PRAISES AATMANIRBHAR PUSH

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the Centre’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programmes.

He described Operation Sindoor as proof of both the bravery of Indian soldiers and the country’s growing indigenous defence capability.

Fadnavis said India’s defence ecosystem had transformed because of the increasing participation of both public and private sectors.

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