Build surge capacity, become global giants: Rajnath to defence PSUs

New Delhi: Recent global conflicts have demonstrated that assured supply chains, surge capacity and the ability to sustain production over long periods are vital for national security, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.

Making a case for transforming state-owned defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) into global giants, Singh urged the entities to focus on exports and ensure timely delivery of equipment.

Singh, who reviewed the annual performance of 16 DPSUs at an event in the capital, said expanding defence production was no longer an economic or industrial necessity but a national security imperative.


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"Recent global conflicts have demonstrated how crucial assured supply chains, surge capacity, critical spares, rapid repair capabilities, and the ability to sustain production during prolonged conflicts are for any nation," he said.

The defence ministry has been working with both the private and public sectors to create surge capacity-the ability to rapidly increase production of defence equipment at short notice-in the wake of recent global conflicts and Operation Sindoor last year.

Exercises have been undertaken to identify critical companies involved in core technologies such as drone and anti-drone systems, and larger contracts are being placed to enable them to create the necessary infrastructure for surge production.

In line with the government's focus on increasing exports, Singh also urged DPSUs to identify niche technology areas where India can emerge as a global leader.

"In pursuit of the 'Make in India, Make for the World' objective, we must resolve to transform all DPSUs into global giants," he said.

Singh was briefed by secretary (defence production) Sanjeev Kumar and the chairmen and managing directors of the DPSUs on performance, key achievements and the future roadmap during the event.

In his address, the minister underlined that in 2025-26, India achieved defence production worth close to ₹1.8 lakh crore, with DPSUs contributing ₹1.29 lakh crore.

Singh urged DPSUs to focus on timely delivery, reducing import dependence and increasing productivity through higher capital expenditure, besides supporting startups and MSMEs.