Raksha Mantri Presents SIDM Champion Awards 2026 and Calls for Enhanced Defence Production
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh presented the SIDM Champion Awards 2026 at the 8th Annual Session of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi on October 09, 2026. A total of 15 Champion Awards were presented recognizing organizations for their achievements in indigenous technology development, product innovation, design, import substitution, manufacturing excellence, and exports.
The Minister announced that India's defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, registering growth of over 60% compared with the previous financial year. He reiterated the government's target of achieving ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the transformation of India's defence industry from a major importer to a credible and reliable exporter of sophisticated military hardware.
Regarding private sector participation, the Minister recalled his earlier call for increasing the private sector's share in India's total defence production from approximately 24% to 50%. He noted that the private sector's contribution had grown significantly over the past 12 years and urged industry leaders to set progressive milestones to achieve this objective. The government assured continued support while maintaining standards of regulation, safety, quality, and accountability.
Emphasizing the importance of research and development, the Minister stated that defence manufacturers must treat R&D expenditure as an investment that strengthens operational preparedness, improves competitiveness, and contributes to national security. He highlighted the changing nature of warfare that increasingly depends on technological capabilities including drones, missiles, air defence systems, and evolving software and communications technologies.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Minister stressed the importance of ensuring domestic manufacturing facilities can rapidly scale up production when required and urged the industry to develop innovative solutions to expand manufacturing capacity. The government's policy reforms including the Defence Acquisition Procedure, Defence Procurement Manual, Positive Indigenisation Lists, SRIJAN portal, and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) were highlighted as initiatives aimed at expanding the capabilities of India's private defence industry.
The event was attended by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General (Acquisition) Shri A. Anbarasu, SIDM Founder President Shri Baba Kalyani, SIDM President Shri Arun Ramchandani, senior government officials, representatives of the Defence Forces, and leaders of Indian and international defence companies.