'INS Vikrant, Dhanush And 6th Gen Fighter Aircraft': Rajnath Singh Says Self-Reliant India Can Be Seen In Skies, Seas, Land

News india 'INS Vikrant, Dhanush And 6th Gen Fighter Aircraft': Rajnath Singh Says Self-Reliant India Can Be Seen In Skies, Seas, Land

Last Updated:September 25, 2026, 15:58 IST

Rajnath Singh said India’s defence ecosystem would cater to both domestic and global requirements while addressing emerging security challenges.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s push for self-reliance in defence, citing indigenous platforms and systems, including the fighter aircraft, INS Vikrant and Dhanush artillery system.

Speaking at News18 DEFCON 2026, Singh said India is working on advanced fighter aircraft, including fifth- and sixth-generation platforms.

“We are working on 5th and 6th gen fighter aircraft," Singh said.

He said India’s defence ecosystem would cater to both domestic and global requirements while addressing emerging security challenges.

“Our defence system will cater to the world’s needs and it shall tackle rising challenges," he said.

Highlighting India’s indigenous defence capabilities across different domains, Singh said the country’s self-reliance could be seen across the air, sea and land domains.

“If you want to see self-reliant India, look to the skies or look to the sea where INS Vikrant is adding to our maritime security, or land where Dhanush is protecting our borders," Singh said.

The Defence Minister said India has increased spending on defence research and development and is expanding the participation of industry and academia in the sector.

“We have increased Defence R&D spend to over Rs 29,000 crore. Twenty-five per cent of which goes to industry and academia and we are increasing it further," he said.

Singh also said 5,522 items have been added to the Positive Indigenisation List, with the aim of ensuring their production within the country.

“5,522 items have been added to the Positive Indigenisation List. We should have a situation that all these are made in India," he said.

He further said conventional missile technology would be transferred to the private sector.

“Conventional missile technology will be transferred to the private sector," Singh said.

On missile capabilities, Singh said Agni-V with MIRV technology has also been tested.

“Agni-V with MIRV technology has been tested. Only a few nations across the world have this technology," he said.

Singh also highlighted the participation of vendors on the platform, saying: “Around 41,000 vendors and 2.7 lakh vendors have been listed on this platform."

Singh said Pakistan violated “Lakshman Rekha" with the Pahalgam attack, and stressed that a befitting reply will be given in case of any misadventure. 

The minister said India maintains good-neighbourly relations with all countries, but this desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. “Countries that use terrorism as an instrument of aggression must clearly understand that India has both the capability and the resolve to protect its sovereignty and security. No place can become a safe haven for those who threaten our security," he said.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaDeputy News Editor

Saurabh Verma is a Deputy News Editor at News18.com, specialising in Indian politics and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking election strategies, he decodes domestic issues for mil...Read More

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