Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday conducted a comprehensive review of the country’s Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), urging them to prioritise rapid indigenisation of critical technologies, strengthen research and development, and enhance product quality.

Singh stressed the importance of timely deliveries and a strategic approach to boost defence exports. He directed DPSUs to define clear indigenisation and R&D roadmaps with measurable milestones to be presented at the next review meeting, reflecting the government’s intensified focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing. “I assure you that wherever special intervention or assistance is required, it will be provided promptly by the government,” Singh said.

Highlighting the operational contributions of DPSUs, the minister noted their crucial role during Operation Sindoor, India’s four-day military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, in which 26 people were killed. The operation, launched on May 7, targeted terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and concluded with a ceasefire on May 10. Singh lauded the reliability and capability of indigenous platforms, stating, “All our 16 DPSUs are serving as strong pillars of the country’s self-reliance. Their excellent performance in operations like Operation Sindoor testifies to this.”

Four DPSUs — Munitions India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, India Optel Limited, and Hindustan Shipyard Limited — were felicitated for being granted ‘Miniratna’ status, reflecting their growing efficiency, autonomy, and strategic contributions. Singh emphasized that the status would enable these firms to expand capacities, modernize operations, and explore new ventures, including joint ventures with both public and private partners.

He also highlighted the transformation of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven new DPSUs in 2021, describing it as a turning point for functional independence, innovation, and competitiveness. Dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Dussehra, October 15, 2021, these firms — Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Troop Comforts Limited, India Optel Limited, Munitions India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, Gliders India Limited, and Yantra India Limited — are central to India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence.

The minister noted that India achieved defence production worth ₹1.51 lakh crore in 2024-25, with DPSUs contributing 71.6%, while defence exports reached ₹6,695 crore, signaling global confidence in India’s indigenous systems.

MoUs were also signed during the review: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) partnered with Yantra India Limited (YIL) to support modernization efforts and establish a 10,000-ton forging press facility, a key step in reducing import dependence for aluminium alloys used in defence and aerospace. HAL committed an interest-free advance of ₹435 crore, while BDL will provide a sustained workload of up to 3,000 metric tonnes over ten years, according to the Defence Ministry.

Singh’s review underscores the government’s strategic push for self-reliance, innovation, and export-oriented growth in India’s defence sector, highlighting the central role of DPSUs in strengthening national security and boosting indigenous capabilities.