New Delhi: India may need to recalibrate its conventional missile strategy in response to rapidly evolving global conflicts and regional security challenges, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said while addressing the ANI National Security Summit 2.0 in New Delhi. He pointed out that recent developments, particularly in West Asia and shifting military dynamics in neighbouring regions, have altered traditional assumptions about missile usage.
According to Singh, missiles are no longer confined to strategic deterrence alone, with their role expanding into conventional battlefield scenarios. This shift, he noted, requires India to rethink its approach and adapt to emerging realities in modern warfare. He also highlighted the need for parallel action in building capability and strengthening production, ensuring that institutional processes and industrial scaling move forward simultaneously.
A key concern identified was India’s limited production base, which has historically depended on a narrow set of public sector units and internal capabilities of Defence Research and Development Organisation. Singh stressed the importance of expanding manufacturing across a broader industrial ecosystem to meet growing defence requirements efficiently.
Drawing lessons from conflicts in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war, he underlined the rising importance of standoff weapons, layered air defence systems, and maintaining adequate stockpiles of ammunition and missiles. Mobility in radar and artillery systems, along with the increasing relevance of drones, counter drone technologies, and electronic warfare equipment, were also highlighted as critical areas shaping India’s procurement strategy.
He noted that recent defence contracts reflect this shift, with significant investments directed toward modern technologies to bridge capability gaps. Rapid procurement, he added, remains a priority to ensure preparedness in an uncertain security environment.
Looking ahead, Singh referred to the proposed “Sudarshan Chakra Mission,” aimed at developing a multi layered air defence and offensive system to strengthen national security. He indicated that preliminary assessments are already underway, with further steps expected as part of India’s broader defence modernisation efforts.
