Now Reading: Modi targets hypersonic leadership as defence output rises fourfold
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Modi targets hypersonic leadership as defence output rises fourfold
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address to call for Indian leadership in hypersonic technology, drones and counter-drone systems. He said defence production had grown nearly fourfold in 12 years…
The Story in Brief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address to call for Indian leadership in hypersonic technology, drones and counter-drone systems. He said defence production had grown nearly fourfold in 12 years and urged India to move from arms buyer to global supplier. The New Indian Express reported that India’s products now reach about 100 countries, while exports have risen almost 50 times. The Times of India reported exports rising from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26.
Modi also said work on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a proposed multi-layered air defence network, was progressing rapidly. He linked defence self-reliance to cybersecurity, civil defence and women’s participation in the armed forces. The speech also covered an AI skilling mission for one crore youth, free online coaching, semiconductor expansion and a nuclear energy target of 100 GW by 2047, according to India Today.
The Indian Opinion
The easy narrative is that higher production automatically means military self-reliance. It does not. Export growth and domestic output matter, but capability also depends on reliable engines, sensors, software, testing and timely delivery to the armed forces. The competing claim that imports are always the practical answer is just as incomplete. The real test is whether Sudarshan Chakra and hypersonic projects move from announcements to fielded systems, with clear delivery dates and audited performance.
Sources (3): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, newindianexpress.com, indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
