{
  "id": 983864,
  "title": "India’s defence leap: PM Modi lauds four times production; push for hypersonic tech",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/indias-defence-leap-pm-modi-lauds-four-times-production-push-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T07:13:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/news/indias-defence-leap-pm-modi-lauds-four-times-production-push-for-hypersonic-tech/articleshow/133257902.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the nation's remarkable progress in defence production during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort. In his speech, Modi declared that defence production has quadrupled within the last twelve years since his government took office. With a focus on becoming a global supplier, he emphasized the need to leverage next-generation defence technologies. The defence sector is a crucial component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, as it helps India reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthen its strategic capabilities. The defence budget has surged from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 7.85 lakh crore in the current financial year, with capital expenditure also more than doubling to Rs 2.19 lakh crore. This investment has led to infrastructure expansion, the procurement of advanced weapon systems, and the modernization of armed forces capabilities. Atmanirbhar Bharat's policy reforms and increased private sector participation have accelerated defence manufacturing, positioning India as a rising global hub in this sector. Defence exports have skyrocketed from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, a growth of over 5500%. Nearly 65% of the defence equipment required by the armed forces is now produced domestically, significantly reducing import dependency. Significant research and innovation efforts have been prioritized, with the defence R&D budget more than doubling to Rs 29,100 crore. A quarter of the budget is now accessible to industry, startups, and academia through the Technology Development Fund, which has supported 80 projects worth Rs 334 crore, including grants of up to Rs 50 crore for critical technologies. DRDO's Industry Academia Centres of Excellence, now numbering 15, are steering research across 82 verticals, reinforcing India's commitment to building a robust deep-tech ecosystem for sustained military capability. Modi's speech also underscored the importance of hypersonic technology, calling for India to assume leadership in this advanced defence field as the world considers its strategic position. In addition, he highlighted the development of drones and counter-drone systems, emphasizing the need for India to build indigenous expertise in emerging military technologies rather than relying on foreign suppliers. The Sudarshan Chakra, an indigenous air defense system, is rapidly advancing, designed to safeguard critical military and civilian installations against aerial threats. Modi also stressed the importance of India moving beyond meeting its own defence needs and becoming a global supplier of military equipment, with defence exports surging to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, a 5500% increase from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14. He affirmed that a significant portion of the nation's defence requirements, approximately 65%, are now produced domestically. The defence push is an integral part of the seven-part Shakti Ki Saptadhara framework for Viksit Bharat, focusing on self-reliance, next-generation technology, domestic production, exports, and global leadership.",
  "summary": "India's defense production has grown significantly, aiming for global supplier status. The nation's defense budget and capital expenditure have seen substantial increases. Indigenous platforms now form the backbone of the armed forces' capabilities. Defense exports have surged, reaching nearly one hundred countries worldwide. This transformation positions India as a self-reliant defense…",
  "key_points": [
    "India's defence production has quadrupled in 12 years under Modi's government.",
    "Defence budget surged from Rs 2.53 lakh crore to Rs 7.85 lakh crore.",
    "Modi calls for India to become a global leader in hypersonic technology."
  ],
  "editors_take": "India's defence production surge and push for hypersonic technology mark a significant shift towards self-reliance and global leadership, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and positioning the country as a rising defence hub.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "India’s Modi says armed Maoists are fading, but warns threat remains from ideological supporters",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/indias-modi-says-armed-maoists-are-fading-but-warns-threat-remains",
        "published": "2026-08-15T08:14:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}