Defence Minister Launches New Initiatives for Self-Reliant Defence Manufacturing

Inauguration of DPSU Bhavan and Key MoUs

New Delhi, Nov 10: On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the modern DPSU Bhavan and facilitated the signing of three significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) among defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), promoting collaboration and self-reliance.

During the event, four defence PSUs were recognized for achieving Miniratna status.

As part of the agreements, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) entered into MoUs with Yantra India Limited (YIL) to assist in its modernization and to set up a 10,000-ton Forging Press facility. This initiative is vital for reducing reliance on imports of aluminium alloys essential for the defence and aerospace industries. HAL has pledged an interest-free advance of Rs 435 crore to YIL, while BDL will ensure a consistent workload of up to 3,000 metric tonnes over the next decade.

The third MoU focuses on establishing a Metal Bank at MIDHANI, which will guarantee the steady supply of essential raw materials for critical national defence projects.

Additionally, the Defence Minister introduced several R&D initiatives, including the HAL R&D Manual, aimed at enhancing the research and development ecosystem through digitization, intellectual property creation, and partnerships with Indian educational institutions. The R&D Roadmap for DPSUs integrates current projects and future plans, marking a transition from licensed production to indigenous design and development, a crucial move towards achieving technological self-sufficiency in defence.

In a significant advancement for sustainable defence manufacturing, Rajnath Singh launched SWAYAM - Sustainable and Green Defence Manufacturing, a detailed guide that outlines the green transition within DPSUs. Based on the Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Action Plan (CEEAP) 2023, SWAYAM highlights initiatives to improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy use, and lower carbon emissions throughout the defence production sector. Supported by digital tools like the SWARNA Dashboard and DPSU Efficiency Index, this initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to merging sustainability with self-reliance.

The minister also led a thorough review meeting of DPSUs at the newly opened DPSU Bhawan, located in the World Trade Centre, Naoroji Nagar.

During the meeting, four DPSUs - Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), India Optel Limited (IOL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) - were honored for receiving Miniratna (Category-I) status.

Rajnath Singh noted that this new Miniratna status will empower these four DPSUs to expand their capacities, modernize operations, and explore new partnerships, including joint ventures and mergers with both public and private sector entities.

In his address, he praised the DPSUs for their unwavering contributions to enhancing India's defence manufacturing landscape and advancing the vision of a self-reliant nation. He emphasized that all 16 DPSUs are vital pillars of the country’s self-reliance, with their impressive performance in operations like Operation Sindoor showcasing the reliability and capability of indigenous platforms.

Highlighting the sector's outstanding achievements, Rajnath Singh revealed that in the fiscal year 2024-25, India recorded defence production worth Rs 1.51 lakh crore, with DPSUs accounting for 71.6% of this total. Defence exports reached Rs 6,695 crore, reflecting global confidence in India's indigenous systems. He remarked, "This clearly indicates that ‘Made in India’ defence products are gaining global respect."

To maintain this momentum, the Defence Minister urged all DPSUs to prioritize the rapid indigenization of critical technologies, comprehensive R&D, enhancement of product quality, timely deliveries, and a strategic approach to boost exports. He instructed DPSUs to establish clear indigenization and R&D roadmaps with measurable milestones to be presented at the next review meeting. "On behalf of the Government, I assure you that wherever special intervention or assistance is required, it will be provided promptly," he stated.

Furthermore, the Defence Minister recognized IOL and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for achieving 100% green energy usage. IOL transitioned entirely to renewable energy in September 2025, resulting in a reduction of 8,669 tonnes of CO2 emissions and saving Rs 26.36 lakh in the first quarter of FY 2025-26. BEL, a Navratna DPSU, became the first to reach the RE100 milestone in January 2025, reducing its Scope-2 emissions from 15,000 metric tonnes to zero, marking a significant step towards its Net Zero objectives.