India Embraces Artificial Intelligence and Technology Advancements in Defence Sector

Image credits: Photos: Anand Dharmana

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated Vigyan Vaibhav 2025, a science and technology extravaganza held in Hyderabad as part of National Science Day celebrations. The event saw a massive turnout of school and college students eager to witness India's latest advancements in science and technology. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister highlighted India's transformation from a technology-scarce nation at the time of Independence to a global leader in scientific innovation. He emphasized the importance of scientific advancements like the Green Revolution for driving India's economic growth and stressed the government's commitment to utilizing technology for national progress.

The Defence Minister also pointed to India's leadership in digital transactions, citing 171 billion UPI transactions worth ₹2.45 lakh crore in 2024 alone. He stressed the need for further innovation in AI, Quantum Computing, and cyber warfare capabilities, stating that future conflicts would increasingly shift from hardware-based warfare to software-driven strategies. Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he underscored its role in fostering critical thinking and strengthening India's scientific mindset. The NEP has endeavored to change the education system, and it is the joint responsibility of the Centre and the states to ensure that children receive the best education.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy lauded Telangana's contributions to India's defence sector, highlighting the role of organizations like BDL, BEL, MIDHANI, and DRDO in the state. He urged the Defence Minister to declare Hyderabad and Bengaluru as a Defence Corridor, positioning Telangana as a hub for young engineers and defence research. The stadium, packed with 18,000 attendees, also hosted a major defence and aeronautical technology exhibition featuring 200 stalls showcasing DRDO's latest innovations. The exhibition, jointly organized by the DRDO, Aeronautical Society of India, and Kalam Institute of Youth Excellence (KIYE), will remain open to the public on March 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Some of the key points discussed at the event include: * The importance of scientific temper and excellence in frontier technologies * The need for innovation in AI, Quantum Computing, and cyber warfare capabilities * The role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in fostering critical thinking and strengthening India's scientific mindset * The potential of India's youth and the government's efforts to harness their capabilities to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 * The proposal for a Hyderabad-Bengaluru Defence Industrial Corridor to attract investment and boost startups like Skyroot Aerospace

The event also featured a visit by the Defence Minister to DRDO's Dr. Kalam's Missile Complex, where he reviewed ongoing missile projects and felicitated the team behind the Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile trials conducted in November 2024. Interacting with scientists, he praised their contributions and expressed confidence in India's rise among the world's top three economies by 2027. He urged them to integrate evolving technologies while maintaining dedication and integrity. The Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 event provided a unique opportunity for students to learn about India's modern military technology and interact with scientists and defence experts.