Defence Minister Reviews DPSUs Post-Operation Sindoor, Calls for R&D in Modern Warfare

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a key review meeting today with the heads of eight Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) at South Block, focusing on operational preparedness, export growth, and technological advancement in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

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Commending the role of the defence sector in supporting India's calibrated and targeted military response under Operation Sindoor, the minister stated that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to enhancing the nation's defence manufacturing ecosystem.

“Platforms and technologies developed indigenously by our DPSUs played a critical role in demonstrating our Armed Forces' capability,” the Defence Minister said, adding that this readiness must now pivot toward the next phase — building for future conflicts.

Singh directed all DPSUs to scale up production with greater emphasis on cutting-edge research and development, especially in emerging fields of modern warfare. This comes amidst a broader policy thrust towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing.

Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar presented performance statistics, noting that DPSUs are expected to record a value of production exceeding ₹1.40 lakh crore for FY 2024–25. Of this, 78% would be contributed directly by the DPSUs.

While acknowledging this achievement, the minister stressed timely delivery to the Armed Forces and other stakeholders. He also directed DPSU chiefs to increase export volumes and invest in strategic marketing of Indian defence products abroad.

Singh congratulated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for receiving Maharatna status and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for being granted Navratna status — key designations that allow greater financial autonomy and operational flexibility.

CMDs of the eight DPSUs — HAL, MDL, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), and BEML Limited — presented interim dividend cheques totaling ₹2,138 crore for FY 2024–25 to the Government of India.

India's focus on modernising its defence production aligns with broader geopolitical shifts and emerging challenges in national security, particularly in the aftermath of cross-border tensions and terrorism-related escalations in recent months.