In New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke on Saturday about the importance of boosting India’s ability to create and make defence technologies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also asked for work, with trusted partners. Speaking to attendees of the edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined how vital defence self‑reliance and global cooperation are.
Rajnath Singh said future military strength would not be measured by the number of aircraft or weapons. Instead it would depend on how fast forces can detect threats make decisions and take action.
The exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force from September 26 to October 12 brought together air forces from Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. with 32 other countries attending as observers.
Singh said modern warfare now goes beyond domains like land, sea and air. It also includes space, cyberspace, the spectrum and information operations. He highlighted the growing role of drones, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and long range precision weapons in changing how military operations are carried out.
He said defence self reliance means being able to design, develop, manufacture, maintain and upgrade equipment without withdrawing from international cooperation. Singh cited Tejas, Dhruv, Rudra, Prachand, the Light Utility Helicopter, Akash, AESA radars and unmanned systems. He also highlighted the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, advanced aero engine development and co-production.
Describing the exercise, Singh said: 'Different nations, different aircraft, different experiences, but one sky.'
'Future military power will be defined by the speed of sensing, understanding, deciding and acting.'
'The defence relationships of the future will be about technology and trust, not just about platforms,' Singh said.
He said Tarang Shakti enables air forces to test procedures, exchange operational experience and improve coordination. He urged the Indian Air Force to apply lessons from the exercise to its training, tactics, technology, doctrine and future capabilities.
