Overview

• The defence minister said unmanned systems must be incorporated into national war planning after observing their extensive use in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
• He described drones as a significant force now operating in areas where larger equipment cannot reach.
• He traced the evolution of unmanned aircraft from surveillance to combat roles and deployment in border conflicts.
• Singh argued that countries investing in drone technology have gained an advantage and framed the effort within the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
• India, he noted, has moved from importing drones to designing, developing and manufacturing them domestically, praising entrepreneurs during the inauguration of Raphe mPhibr’s new engine-testing facility in Noida that was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.