NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex (AWSC) and a state-of-the-art Missile Integration Facility developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and technological self-reliance. The inauguration highlighted the country’s growing capabilities in advanced weapons development and military modernisation.
The newly inaugurated facilities are designed to support the integration, testing and production of advanced missile systems and other strategic weapon platforms. Defence officials said the infrastructure will play a crucial role in accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation defence technologies for the Indian Armed Forces.
Addressing scientists, engineers and defence personnel at the event, Rajnath Singh praised DRDO’s contribution to India’s defence preparedness and technological advancement. He said the country is steadily moving towards achieving greater self-reliance in defence production under the government’s broader vision of strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing dependence on imports. He said, “Today’s inauguration is a symbol of our resolve to become alert, capable, and self-reliant in tackling every challenge,” he said.
The Defence Minister noted that indigenous research and innovation have become central pillars of India’s national security strategy. He emphasized that investments in advanced defence infrastructure are essential for meeting future security challenges and ensuring that the armed forces are equipped with modern and reliable systems.
The Advanced Weapon System Complex has been developed to provide integrated support for the manufacturing and assembly of sophisticated weapon systems. Officials believe the facility will improve efficiency in the production cycle while enhancing collaboration between scientists, industry partners and defence establishments.
The Missile Integration Facility, another key component of the complex, is expected to strengthen India’s missile development ecosystem by enabling faster integration and testing of various missile platforms. The facility is equipped with modern technologies aimed at improving quality, precision and operational readiness.
During the inauguration, Rajnath Singh also interacted with DRDO scientists and reviewed a range of indigenous defence technologies under development. He commended the organisation for its role in advancing strategic programmes that contribute to India’s defence capabilities and export potential.
The event underscored the government’s continued focus on the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in the defence sector. Over the past few years, India has expanded domestic production of missiles, drones, electronic warfare systems and other critical military equipment, with DRDO playing a leading role in research and innovation.
Experts believe the new facilities will not only enhance India’s defence preparedness but also support long-term goals of becoming a major global hub for defence manufacturing. By strengthening infrastructure for advanced weapons development, the country aims to improve operational capabilities while fostering indigenous technological expertise.
With the inauguration of the Advanced Weapon System Complex and Missile Integration Facility, India has taken another significant step toward building a robust and self-reliant defence ecosystem capable of meeting future strategic and security requirements.
